WAR Letter Washington. Dec 8,/1861.
Cousin Elizabeth:-
I take my pen in hand this evening to write a few lines to
you, I shall have to be brief as I have but little time, I would like to
write more and better than I do but I have but little time and everything
is so confusing here in one of our small tents that it is almost impossible
to write at all. If I could have the privilidges here that I use to
have when I lived with Uncle Lyman I should know how to appreciate them
I will assure you. but I am now where I dare not act nor speak as I. would
once.
(OVER)

2— •
A man here dare not even say he is not able to go on duty, but is ob-
liged to go as long as he can walk, and then if he is tough enough to
go to tent and lie upon the ground he is a good soldier, if not the soon-
er they can get rid of him the better, men here seem to care but little
for any thing their minds are constantly on fighting, since I commenced
this letter we have received news that the rebels have made an attack on
our troops near Fairfax and I suppose we are under marching orders, I
hope so at any rate; Many of my friends in writing to me tell me to
keep up good courage, my courage is always good, and fear was always a
stranger to me. This may be the last time that you will ever hear tress.
'me, but I hope not, but if it is, I hope the remainder of my days may be
spent useful to my country I should write some to Jerusha and Willie if
I had. time, and nore to you all, I hope that this will find you all well
as it leaves me. Please write soon and oblige from Chester Covell to
Elizabeth Covell.,