Fort Whipple, Va., Dec. 13, 1863.
Dear Father:
Yours of sunday last was rec’d in due time. Also started off directly to dun: saw Capt. Andrew; he said that there was about $130.00 that he had not collected from the mess, but would wait until next pay day and see if he could get it, and if not take it from his own pocket. As for Capt. Hosmer, I know where he is, being at Washington with the position of Asst. Judge Advocate Genl. Now I can hardly summon the pluck to dun him, being in that position, so I think it would be better to wait until some further day and if any opportunity offers I will improve it.
We are beginning to get acquainted with fancy soldiering now; all have to come out in gloves, being furnished the first time and having to supply yourself the next. It makes a great difference with the looks of the men. Uncle Frank Bricket called over today. I asked him what the prospect was of our ever owning Bradley Farm; he told me (as no doubt he has told you before). It really seems to me that something ought to be done. There has been money spent on the place, if that is all it wants, but it seems to me we are no nearer the end we are after. Uncle Frank spoke of a farm up in Hampstead. How did you like it; presume you would not like to swap? We are very much attached to the old place, all of us; but that should not hinder us from leaving it if we can do better some where else and especially when in the condition we are. I should consider that a very cheap price for a farm (I mean the one he showed you) if as good as he says it is. I do almost feel that the old farm will never amount to any thing. It wants making all over new and that is a very hard task. I should think you would be discouraged after spending nearly all your years so far on it and not coming out better; but it shows the Bradleys never have that failing. How much is the debt now and what interest do you have to pay? I suppose it takes all you have to pay the interest? How does George feel about leaving it and the rest of them? Don’t want to, I’ll bet! Write all particulars and let me know about it for once; you know you never were much for telling your business matters to the rest of the family, and besides it is right I should know. They all say that I am my own master now, but I do not ask that privilege yet, whether or no I have a right to claim it. So far 20 have re-enlisted and I guess that is all that will. Shall send $20 home by uncle Frank, part or nearly all of which is Jerry’s. Things are awfully high at the present time. Love to all. I remain. &c.
L. Bradley, Jr.
Co. B. 1st Mass. H. Arty.
To L. Bradley, Esq.
[His claim as a veteran made him and others consider him “of age.”— Ed.]
