Fort Craig, Va., Dec. 21, 1862.
Dear Family:
Glad to hear of your good health. We are in the same condition. It has been terribly cold weather for us.
The war news is of but little importance. The report is, we are to have a new cabinet, and that Seward has resigned. The men throughout the army are getting discouraged, and men from Fredericksburg say if officers were to try their best to lead them into another fight on the same ground the men would not follow. It was a perfect butchery of our men. Fremont (some think) will get either Sec. of War or command of the army. Report this morning was Halleck had resigned.
Don’t sell old Sam [a dog] unless you get a good price for him, because you know he is mine.
Later.
We have rec’d orders to go to Harper’s Ferry to-morrow and Jere had to get drum head. We shall carry most everything; will send you a box of extra clothing, pay at that end. I am packing up as fast as I can. The boys feel first rate; will write if there is anything new.
L. B., Jr.
