You ask about a house. I do not know how to answer you. I would like to wait to be at
home a short time before I had a house built, but I know if I wait for that, we never
will have a house. I have been away too long and have forgot all I ever did know about
a house, that I will leave it to you, Father, Leander, and James. I must say that I did
not use to like a two story house, but I may like them now. If it was brick, I would
want a two story. I do not want a house to cost over four hundred and fifty dollars,
and never to run over $500. So I think it will have to be rather small, for I want
it finished up in the very best style. Where are you going to put it? On stilts I
suppose, for I hear nothing of a lot. I would just as soon have it on stilts as any
place else, for I will sell it just as soon as I get home. You may prepare for a
trip to Oregon. We are building strong [undecipherable] works and two good forts here, and keep
everything ready to repel an attack. I have just heard Rosecrans whipped Bragg out of
his boots. I hope it is so, but no news from Vicksburg. I am afraid to hear from there,
pray God give us victory. We are down to half rations. We live on hard fare, but
generally plenty, such as it is. I look for Baltzell today or tomorrow. I just
have two dollars left. No sign of pay. If they pay us six months pay, I will send
home $75. But I have no idea if they will pay for over five months if ever they do
that. If I do send any of account home, do not spend it, get money from the mill
for your use, and all you want, and put mine on extra work on the house. McKee is
Provost Marshall. Jehue never says turkey. Did you get my Sergt Warrant from Paducah?
I sent it from there, you never mentioned it. I sent my dear little Zetty a fine
picture. Tell her to show it to Mary. I am through. I will write to Lee tomorrow.
Let him read this if you want. Give my respects to Wilsons. Zetty, be a good little
girl. Remember William
