Letter # 12,- D., From Chester Covell, to his •
Cousin Jerusha Covell, in Indiana., Vienna Oct., l6th /64.,
Dear Cousin:-
It is with pleasure; though sad at heart that I again seat my-
self to write a few lines to you. I am well at present hoping that these
few lines may find you all the same I received your kind letter in due
season. Mother's health is not very good and my Brother as near as I
can learn, was killed or wounded and taken prisoner near Richmond the
7th of this month. Jerusha, I do not feel much like writing this eve-
ning, so if my letter is short you must excuse me this time.
I think of you all often and would like to cone and see you this .
winter, I am very lonesome here, there has been such a. change here
while 1 was in the service that it hardly looks like home to me-, if I
cannot get someone to stay and do the chores this -winter it will not do
for me to go away from'here as Mother and the small children are alone.
«
I find every thing in bad shape here and have plenty to do,, everbody
is complaining of hard times here. I have seen worse, and expect to ag-
ain before this war is over, a great many think this war is most to a
close but I cannot as yet see one bright spot. I expect Uncle Wm's boys
at home in a few days, there is hardly a person left in old Vienna of my
old acquaintance, nothing but the howl of a Oct wind here that it seems
natural. I never was so lonesome in my life, if my folks could do with
out me here I beleive I would go back to the Army. Well I must draw my
letter to a close and try to pass a. fewr hours in. sleep, Jerusha write as
often as you can» ',When I write again perhaps 1 can do better than I have
this time, and will try and write a little to all of you.
Good bye for the present, Please Write often.
From your affectionate cousin, CHESTER Covell