Thursday eve, Dec. 19, '61 Half past 9 but I write a few lines in haste. Your good long letter was rec'd on my return from Review about 2 P.M., where we all had been engaged since 9 A.M. To day I have not even made out my morning report I have had my time entirely occupied with the Review & A A A Genl dutues. To morrow comes another tri-monthly Brigade Report & I have just been out to find someone else to act as Recorder at a court martial in my place as I shall have no time tomor row for anything. was down at Hd Quarters this PM & found the 11th had just arrived, went down to wharf to see col. Mathewson but found the boat was out in the harbor a short distance off, unloading into a tug to be landed. I could not wait so saw no one. Rec'd with your letter a note from Mr Lundy (Cousin Ellen relative here) saying he had a box from Cousin Ellen for me, found box at my tent on my return & a nice one it is. Have asked Harland to dine with me tomorrow noon on roasted Turkey. Every thing I have tasted is very nice, some of the articles named in the bill of fare are not in great quantity, but it is a most acceptable present. I expected your box today but it has not arrived. Dont know what to say, I am sure about Sheldon. I like my present man Joe very much but dont like the way I have him. The us Government is paying him $25 per mo, & getting nothing from him & it is paying me $25 per month for servant also. I think your better not encourage Sheldon to come until you hear further from me anyhow. Haven't had a chance to think of it very particularly yet. As I am now fixed I have the tent much more to myself & more convenient than if I had a regular man who slept here & spent all his time here. Joe sleeps & eats with his Co. I am very loath to change & he wants much to stay. I think he is truly honest & he knows if he does not behave I should return him to his company immediately, this is another inducement to keep straight. Have not acknowledged receipt of Leida's letter or Cousin Ellen's box, expected to have given up every thing, use this evening & have done it, but could not, shall try to do both tomorrow. In Cousin Ellen's box is a nice canister full of boiled Hominy with directions to warm over with a little water & butter, shall like it very much, she sends a loaf of bread & a large ball of nice butter. It is time I was in bed as I must begin work early in morning so I must close tho' there are several things I intended to write about which I have now forgotton. Your loving son & bro Chas. Can Geo write what rooms are rented & which not. i dont think we ever netted much from the stores & they are a great bother. Dont believe Geo better try manage them this winter. Hope I shall have some more money during month of Jany. Will send you all I can. Missed writing by mail this AM, so you will miss a letter one day. Dec. 20, '61 Call came for another Division review at 11 o'clock & I must go.leave my report that I have been at work on for several hours.Your box has arrived have not examined it much, in good order I think. Had a fine breakfast from cousin Ellen's box Have Hominy Bread & butter & mustard. Sheldon might get a situation if he came on but it is quite doubtful. Should not advise it. Must go.