Page 1 November 23, 1862

Camp on Stone River, Nov. 23d, 1862.

Mother:

Yours of the
12 inst. was receiv-
ed last evening just as I was eating
supper, which was after dark. I
hailed it with great pleasure, as
it was the only letter that I have rece-
ived for some time. You do
not know with what eagerness
we soldiers listen to the calling
of names upon the arrival
of a mail. I listened for the calling
of my name last night, but
did not attend the running to
the Sergeant who distributes the
mail, for I really thought
it impossible that there could
be a letter for poor me. Ho-
wever, you, at least, have not
forgotten me, and therefore you
blessed me with a letter. I pray