Falmouth, Va.
February 13, 1863

Dear Father,

It is with pleasure I now sit down to write a few lines to you in answer to your last. I am well and hope these few words will find you all the same. I have not seen Mr. Collins but I have heard where my box is. He left it at the Thirteenth Regiment, Co. D. If the Captain is willing, I will take a wagon tomorrow and go get it. I think now I will get it before everything is spoiled. I am glad Mr. Collins was so kind and obliging as to bring my box as far as he has. He might have left it a great deal nearer if he had have known. He might have left it at Stoneman’s Switch on the railroad. It is only about three hundred yards from our camp but where it is now is nearly eight miles. I will write again as soon as I get it.

I wrote to Mary yesterday and sent a paper to George. I want you to look it over and see how much fun is made over our generals and of our Constitution & Government. I think Father that when people can come out before the world and make fun of everything in this way, that we are most gone up. I don’t know what to think of this last great move of sending so many of the Army of the Potomac away to the South and West. We did not have enough in the first place. I don’t know what we will do now.

I have just found out that Capt. [A. Judson] Clark will not send a team down so I don’t know how I shall get my box only I go on horseback and bring it that way. I wish it had been left at Aquia Creek. It would have been better at Washington. I could have got it easier than I can now. But however, I will manage some way to get it. I am living first rate now. We get four rations of soft bread a week now and potatoes & onions twice so I don’t think the Amy of the Potomac has ever regretted that Old Fighting Joe is in command. But now I must close with my love to all. Tell Mother that I am doing first rate and write soon.

From your son, — C. V. H.