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Fort Stevens D.C. Dec 18th 1863
Dear Sister

I was very much surprised at receiving a letter from you, I thought you had come to the conclusion that it did not pay to write to Soldiers but I assure you I was very glad to be so disappointed. It is a cold windy night but I have a good fire and a little better house that I had when you were here. Our new house is 16*20 divided into two bedrooms and an office, nicely plastered and whitewashed as comfortable as half the houses in VT(??) a great deal nicer and warmer than any old shop in Shoreham. We have a new Captain. His name is Edward P. Lee he is a big man as tall as I am and weighs two hundred pounds. The major is all right as usual. So are all those you know here. The reg't is being filled up very fast now; two hundred recruits came yesterday. Thirty five came to Battery B. They are a fine lot of men. The Russian officers visited Fort Totteri (one of the Forts garrisoned by the 11th bt.). Of course I had to go and see them. They are generally short and quite ___ built and some of them very good looking. I have told you all the news that I can think of and now hardly know what to write. You say "your letter was cold and indifferent." Lorette how would you have me address you? Allowing me to be the judge I should think your letters the coldest. Yes indeed, I do remember everything you told me and that I promised to stand up with you but I did not suppose you remembered anything. It is of no use to tell you again what I have told you so many times. I do not blame you for not caring for me but don't call me cold and indifferent when I am doing my best to make it seem all right. You know that one word from you when I was there was all that ware required to bring me to any terms you saw fit to make. I was in hopes I should forget to pay homage where it was regarded as something of no account but I cannot forget; more's the pity.
Yes I have heard the song "when this cruel war is over" and it is a very good one but if I was there I think I would be hardly able to sing it with you. I have scarcely sung a word or note since I left Shoreham. It makes me so ___ lonesome that I wont try. Of course I will go and see you if you stay in Washington next winter if I am where I can and you will allow me to. You see I have done as you requested and wrote to you. Do you call this a cold letter? Lorette, will you write me and tell me honestly and truly just what you think of me? It is getting late and will close. Remember me to __ and Lauren and believe me to be ever your Friend,
George

 

 
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