Camp Union, Christmas morning, 1861.
Dearest: — A merry Christmas to you and the little stranger (I suppose he is a stranger to you no longer) —and to all at home. At this home-happiness season, I think of you constantly.
. . . Oh the boys, how they must enjoy Uncle Joe and the presents! You will see they get some from “Uncle Papa” too.
A Dr. Hayes is here as brigade surgeon. Scarcely any sick in our regiment, so Dr. Joe can feel easy about his absence.
Beautiful weather again. Only one bad day. The rest of the Thirtieth has come up. It is now the strongest regiment here. This half is better stuff too and had some service.
Captain Zimmerman takes this. I sent a chair and five hundred dollars, by Captain Sperry. Let Joe tell me what money you have received from me. It is all right, I suppose, but I would like to know. . . .
Affectionately, darling,
Mrs. Hayes.
R.
