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of an evening and snap them between ones thumb nails; thee knows how. Some people here think it is not possible so keep clear of them. I never had any trouble till I returned [?] last fall, and then I caught some of Capt. Wetherell. And perhaps no soldier can keep entirely free from them all the time, at least on a move but any one who will keep them after having caught them, is a [sloven?], and was one at home. While we were on the last move I got some but as John Thomas said "There aint many on me now" It is dark and I will close Farewell
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[Aruel?] Quarters 2d. Div.6thCorps May 17th, 1863
My dear Mother: Thine from F-burg. was received on the 15th. [last?] and found me, as usual, well. My health never was better, as I know of, and but for some things, of minor importance, compared to that, I should be a [strong?] as ever. I think I have not been so fleshy (not to say fat) since I came into the service, as I am now. One year ago to-day and I had been sick a fortnight, and was then laid out on the Deck of a Government Steamer in
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Washington Harbor.
That [P.M.?] gave me my first experience in Hospital life at Washington. When I look back at the time, it seems strange to me that I am yet alive. Are there five months of this year to be spent in that way? I hope not, yet how little did I know of Suffering! compared with thousands who are there now.
My [hand?] seems more at [use?] now, then before it was [lanced?] with a jack knife though it is not healed at all yet, and continues to run some every day, but, and it seems stranger to me, it is not sore.
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As for Surgicals advance I'll none of it, at present. I thank Cousin Rowland for his good opinion of me and if thee writes him plese tell him so; does he have anything of the war [recalled?] to him.
James Joslyn does not feel very proud of the figure he must have cut, in the condition he was, when he saw you; he feels ashamed of it some, I guess. I saw Morrill yesterday. He is not very well at present.
Thee seems to have a great interest in the louse question, I can only say that they are not so bad after one is used to them, and I know it is a luxury to set down
