Peebles House, Va., November 4th, 1864.
We have had a few days of cold, stormy weather. It even snowed a little yesterday. We have built comfortable quarters, most of them with fireplaces. I have been so busy since our return, with muster rolls, monthly returns, etc., that I was compelled to postpone building until today. We have a very comfortable place, built of pine logs, six feet by seven on the inside. It is completed except “chunk and daubing,” which will occupy but a short time. About half of it is occupied by our bed. In one corner is our table, two by three feet square. The remaining comer is our sitting room. Our bed of poles is covered with a thick layer of “Virginia feathers.” Over these a rubber and one blanket, leaving one blanket and our overcoats to spread over us.
We may not remain here long to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but then, we may. Probably another attempt to move will not be made until after election. I will be heartily glad when that is over. I am sick, tired, disgusted with the whole arrangement. Popular election, indeed! It is all humbug. The very name is a lie and a cheat. Mr. Winegar, of Grass Lake, has arrived as commissioner to receive the votes of Michigan regiments. The McCIellan vote will be quite strong in this regiment unless something can be done to counteract it. The French recruits will all vote that way, and they comprise nearly one-half the regiment.
“Fall in for mail,” is the cry of our Postmaster. Not expecting as much pleasure as another letter would give me, I continued to write, listening, all the time, to hear whose names were called. Can it be? Yes, my name is called. Another dear letter. Oh, my sweet wife, would to God I could fold you in my arms and pillow your weary head upon my bosom, its rightful resting place.
All Michigan men in hospitals who want furloughs get them. I have no idea this campaign will end until Richmond is taken and Lee’s army is destroyed. Grant has fought all summer “on these lines,” and will continue the fight all winter if not successful. But the time is close at hand when military operations must, of necessity, be suspended. Furloughs will then be given, and I will avail myself of the first opportunity.
