(penciled in [1862])
			Camp Williams Oct 6

Dear Mother,
		I should have written
sooner, but I have been sick with
ague, & diarrhaea, so that I was
unable. At present I am doing well
enough. Sam Durand has been
having the fever and ague, but he is
getting better. These Southern swamps
will be the ruination of many
a fine fellow.
   To-day being my birth-day, I con-
sidered that I couldn’t do better than
celebrate it by writing home. When I first
enlisted, I hoped to be home at this
time, but “there is a Divinity which
shapes our ends, rough hew them
how we will.”
    I wrote you last just after we
got our pay. In case you do not
receive that letter, I will [tell?] you
what disposal I made of my

four months pay. I lent $27 and
reserved the rest to pay my debts, and
in case of sickness [illegible in original]. I would have
sent it home, but it was so little
and Express charges would be as
much for that as for [$50?], nearly
that I concluded to lend it
till next pay-day when there will
be something worth sending.
  You will doubtless be surprised
to hear that Wilder is to be discharged.
There are four or five going out
of our company, among them S.C.
Brooks. They will probably go on
the next Government boat that leaves.
I wish I had something to send you
a likeness at least, but I could
not get down to the city, and its too 
late now.
   I hope Father will write oc-
casionally. I shall be glad to hear from him.

   I have not heard from William
very lately. He probably has no time to
write on account of the [stirring?]
times, in that section. The thing
appears to be drawing to a close,
everywhere. It must have been exceed-
ingly rough on the rebels, being so
summarily driven out of Maryland.
   They say a steamer came in this 
morning bringing mail. As soon
as it arrives I shall expect to hear
of the rebel army being about gone
up.
   Wonder why Van Dorn & Breckenridge
dont come down and try us
on again. They must be somewhere
in this part of the country, & it is
curious if they are going to let us
[peacable?] enjoy our position.
		Your affectionate son
			H.B.

	Mrs. Maria Bostock
					Marshall
					   Michigan