Bishop's wife is sick, he wants her to get the necessary clothing to keep her and the children warm, he is dependent on receiving the $50 Bounty before he leaves the state. He also wants his wife to make Eddie's overcoat.
Camp Terry New Haven [CT] October 24th 1862
Dear Wife,
I received your letter to[ day] I was much gratified to receive it you speak of your having been sick I hope your health will continue good as I donot know what would become [ of the] children unless you could take care of [them] as it regards my coming home again I can not tell yet whether I can come home not before the regiment goes. I think you had better try to fix the children so try you can take them to Bridgeport by week after next if I should find it necessary so that you could come over to N. Haven to see me if I could not go to Bridgeport to see you before I go. But I am bound to see you and the children and bid you goodbye. The thought of leaving the state without bidding you all goodbye is disagreeable if it was only for a short time I would not care but for 7 or 8 months is quite a lengthy time. Absences make the heart grow fonder and I hope in our case that it may make it permanently so.
The leggings fitted me very nicely and I find them quite comfortable only they were not as thick as I wish they were. I think I shall get some Flannel and line them myself. I will send the Blouse for Eddies over coat by Ira Knapp with this letter so that you can make Eddies over coat You had better line it with something warm for winter. I want to have you use as much money as is necessary for your comfort or the childrens. Donot hesitate to draw on the Bank if you get out and want more. I think there is no doubt but what we shall get the 50 dollars Bounty if we donot get our state pay before we leave the state. You had better get you a good warm shall [shawl] for the winter and such necessary clothing as you need. I earned 3 dollars yesterday for fifing for a Military Company in New Haven which will help out. I think I will buy a blanket to keep me 11 warm as the one I have is not enough to keep me warm these cold nights you can take it to put on the children this winter after I leave. You need not be afraid of my leaving this regiment unless I get promoted, which is not probable in my case.
Well dear wife I will draw to a close. Donot hesitate to get a woman to wash for you when you donot feel able to do it yourself good night Dear Sarah and remember your poor old husband in the service of his country
from your loving Husband
J. D. Bishop
