Camp near West Plains Howell Co Mo Feb 4th '63 
My own Dear Mary:  It is but a few days (Feb 1) since I wrot to you, but as I am not on duty yet & enjoy writing to you so much that I will write again.  The latest I have from you is Jan 6th.  I know that there must be 3 or 4 letters on the way from you & perhaps some from Father & Brothers & Cy.  O! how anxiously I am awaiting their arrival.  I stated in my letter of the 4th that I had received your Christmas present, all safe although "Molly" had the curiosity to open them, I suppose she read the precious note you sent with them.  There is nothing contained in it that could be considered secret, yet I do not like to have others peering into our private affairs, do you?  I have not felt so well for a week as I had formerly, but have not been to say verry sick, but I though best to take some blue mass & calomel, salts & oil.  I am better but do not intend to report for duty until I feel quite well for it is hard on a man to stand Picket & all kind of duty.  We are now having quite a snow storm today.  I expect you
