Feb. 20. 1864. Yesterday I did not finish this, for I did not get any opportunity to write until evening. Then I had a hard head ache and turned in early. The cold weather hangs on yet, though the morning is most pleasant. I feel first rate. I was bluer yesterday than two whetstones, but my feet, head and heart are light. I feel first rate, but the heart goes out towards another that I should like to feel beating right against my own.
Captain Brannon has gone home with his wife, was intending to be gone sometime but he is ordered back, and all our officers are coming and going to rejoin the regiment. The report is that Captain Brannon is to be promoted to Major. His old company has re-enlisted to a man. I hate to have them go, but it will probably make but little difference to me. It is the impression that all the non-commissioned officers will all be taken from the company. I do not care, had rather have the Pennsylvanians than any Vermonters that can be brought on. It takes me too long to fill one of there sheets. Shall have to go to using smaller paper, then I can send a letter oftener. Tell Mary Ann to write to me. Should write to her before the next mail if I could go over and see Susan, but it will be my time on guard tomorrow and cannot go. I suppose that she hears from Mr. – often. I have heard nothing from him since she went away. I want to see Susan very much. Give my respects to Mr. & Mrs. Caruth. Is Charlie dead? I hope not. Wish Bowker could have seen him when he was taken. It does not seem as if he was dead yet. I have not written to Jacob or Zopher yet, but shall probably write to one of them before the next mail. Write me how they get along, so good by. I shall send this on without reading, for if I do I shall never send it.
Yours in love,
Charles.
