little grease this dish we call an extra, or "nicknacks"  It is hardly as high living as you have up in Iowa but we seem keep in pretty good health on it.  we sometimes get a spoon ful of melasses. some of the boys inquire of the Comisary "how many melasses do you allow me" You have folks call it "Mess" & "how many" haven't you? We have also a little sugar.- Well I must quit talking about what we have to eat for fear you might think I was complaining of our fare. We get along first rate, & when ever you have an oppertunity to, you may eat a dish of oysters, or any thing good for me. it does me good to hear of you or any one else having a good time There is a brass band of 12 trumpets & 2 drums that play on dress parade & at guardmounting. it makes fine music & then our own Martial band, & the Regimental buglers who sound out their shrill notes for bed time & other calls  It is all verry fine to have such music. but how gladly would we exchange such music for the calm sweet music of our wives & the prattle of our children, & the music of lowing herds & the woodmans axe, in a word all the peaceful pursuits of peace - But for things at home you speak of going into buisness as a miliner, & of first going into the shop of Mrs Otis  You ought to know best but I do not like the idea of my wife going into a [set?] up as a hired girl.  I did verry well as Miss Hamilton - but I don't like for Mrs Garrett have to do it. this may be one of my whims. do what you think is best. I think that we will be paid of about the 1st of Jan. & I don't know whether the papers have been made out in such a way as that you can draw any money at the state Bank of Iowa or not. Gregg made so many mistakes. if so you will draw $9.00 per month of my wages. if not I will send you as much as I can, & as far as it will go I wish you to make yourself comfortable  We have plenty, & you know that it is & should be my highest earthly wish to make you comfortable & happy  you will use it as you need it regardless of my debt  this is my wish, but I must close for the present I have much I wished to say, but two such sheets as these are about as much as one envelope can well carry. Give my love to all, good bye my own dear Mary, light of my life. L A Garrett
