Bishop is comfortable in camp. Speaks of leaving New Haven but that there will be no more furloughs. Compains of the promptness of Sarah's correspondence. John Smith is having a good time at home.
New Haven [CT] Camp Terry November 10th 1862
Dear Wife
It is a rainy Sunday and I am enjoying myself very well in my tent. Myself and another one bought a small camp stove yesterday and we find it very comfortable indeed. We bought the stove because we were suffering from the cold and we did not know how long we might stay here and the stove we can fold together and carry it if necessary with us when we go. We do not know when we shall leave N. H. but the rumour is that next week is the last one that we are to stay here. The orders are that there are no more furloughs to be granted after tomorrow but as I came back last week from home my names was not included among those that were to go home but if we stay here 10 days longer I shall try to come home once more if only for 24 hours. I was disappointed yesterday in not getting a letter from you why did you not write so as to have a letter reach me yesterday? How do you and the children do. Please be punctual in your correspondence at least twice a week you know that the camp is rather monotonous and that we like to have something to change the current of our thoughts so little wife I want you to think of our confined condition, we the soldiers of the union.
Well my little Sauchie wife I should like to take you in my arms today not that I mean anything more that courting but perhaps you might think it was dangerous courting. I Think I know what you would think. But I am not there and consequently there is no danger and I may not come under 7 months you can write me whether you would like to have me come or not. John Smith is home now I suppose having a good time generally and particularly (you know what I mean) never mind this 9 months will not last always unless we sleep our last sleep in getting through it. I cannot think of much to write until I receive a letter from you.
Nov 13th
This letter I commenced writing last Sunday and I will finish it now. We expect to leave here on Saturday or Monday as we are ordered to report at east N. York to be in readiness for Banks expedition [Ed. Referring to Union Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Prentice Banks, commander of the Department of the Gulf and the Red River Expedition]. So I suppose that we are going to Texas. We think that we shall stay in E. N.Y. as much as 3 weeks ifwe do I shall try to come home again and see you before we sail. Well my dear Wife I suppose the time is near at hand when we shall be separated indeed but I hope not for more than 8 months. The orders to move comes to most of us pleasantly as change is desirable. I am afraid that we shall not find another as pleasant a place for camping.
Well my dear I must bid you good bye. I donot think you had better write to me until we get to E. N. York. I shall write to you of course as soon as I get there. Good bye until next time and rest assured of my Love. Write as soon as you get my address.
J. D Bishop
