Carrollton, Louisiana
			    October 24, 1862

Dear Mother
	        
	         I received a letter from you
dated September 29, written before the one
that I received from George. The reason
it did not arrive before was this. It was
on the steamer Trade Wind which was
shipwrecked and had to put into Ship Island
for repairs. The Diana finally went down
after her mail.
    I went down to the city yesterday and
got our box. I got up here late last night.
Everything was in good condition the 
cheese however had got smashed and
mouldy. Those sardines are the best thing
there was in the box. You could not
have suited me better.
    Your letter shows you are discouraged. I
cannot really blame you The circum-
stances are trying. But still, I wish you
could hold out. If, however you have
any settled view on the subject as to

where to go &c which I would not
start without it would be best to
stay. But, if you have a good place
selected, and really wish to go, this is
my advice.--- Do not sell that house-
keeping stuff, but leave it with some
trustworthy family or person, and take
my money, of which there must be [$80?] at
least, and use that. In about a 
month or so I shall be able to send
you $25 at least. But do as you think
best.
    I, too, have been indulging in some
fears about William. If I knew the com-
manding officer of his regiment I would
write concerning him. If you know
the name, I would advise you to do
the same, in case a letter does
not reach you soon. If he is only 
negligent in writing only that would
stir him up, and make him come
to a realizing sense of his business.

As for myself, I am doing well
enough. However the general
health of the regiment is not
good. Wilder yesterday was down 
very low. he talked very discoura-
gingly. he doubted if he would
ever live to get home. His insides
have all been out with whiskey
and he cannot live long, though 
I think if he can be got on the
boat, and got home, he will live 
for some time.
    In Dixies letter of October 4
he says nothing about going to
Dowagiac, although it was written
several days after your letter was

		Hoping for the best
		I am your affectionate son
			H. Bostock

Private
I have not
time to write to Father now. I have to act
as orderly of the company, about half the 
time, and to day I’ve got to wash some
                                             HB
clothes. I am glad you received the book
Remember me to Mrs. Robinson and the rest
of the family. I would write but dont
know exactly how to get at it.



		No 2