George G. Howe, Middlebury, to Lorette E. Wolcott, Shoreham

Camp near Danville, VA
May 7th 1865

Dear Lorette,

I received yours of the 30th spoil last night. It is but two or three days since I wrote but suppose will have to try and think of a little more nonsense today. In the first place it is quite warm, like summer. I don't believe I should go to meeting today as we can't go to town without a pass and our Chaplain is home on leave of absence. Have been down and bathed in the Dan River (with the Cap.) this morning. Is Emilie in the habit of taking the heads off of everyone that speaks of her when she is writing? Shall be more afraid of her than ever.
If I was there shouldn't let the doctor cut your nose at all. Wouldn't know you when I get home. What are you going to do? Black up or put on boys clothes and whiskers. The papers have made a mistake it's time the Sixth Corpse is not in Washington. I believe the first division is on the way there, but do not know certain. But there is no danger of our fighting any more, at least here. No, I shall never be sorry that I enlisted, and never have. But have seen great many times that I was sorry any one had to. Especially on a long hard march when all were hungry, thirsty, sleepy, and dusty or muddy. But such times are about "played out" I hope. My Captain is all right. I told him what you told me to be said "stay your noise ___" I don't know whether it will pay for you girls to fall in love with him or not, he has some very pretty pictures in his album now. Should like to oblige "Eve" very much. But I have no pictures of myself so she will have to take one out of your album. Yes I do have the Rheumatoid once in awhile. By the way I had a great dream just before we left Burkville [?] Junction in which she was one of the principal characters. Do the girls wear such coats as they used to? If they do and have gone to wearing such caps as you tell about how is a fellow going to tell them from a boy. Especially as fellows that have not been around to seen ladies. We can tell nothing about it yet whether we will have to stay until our time is out or not. We may be home in June and may not. You never told me where Joe lives. But no matter of course I will go anywhere. If I was up there now presume I should go to church and would go somewhere that I could get a potato. We had a very few at Burkville [?] but have not seen one since. Would you give me ___ me dozen. It's rather hard to find anything to write about here. All we do is to stay in camp, go on pickets, and guard and inspections. Yesterday we were reviewed and inspected by our Brig. Gen. L.A. Grant. Have written enough for this time such as it is. Remember me to all the good folks (Girls I mean)
With lots of love and kisses.
I am as ever
Yours
George