No 18th  

                                Lee Barracks. Grand Rapids
	                                      January 9th, 1863

           My Dear Mother.
			 Newhon Spanks handed
me your kind letter and most welcome
presents on Wednesday morning. and I seize
the few moments allowed me this morning
to answer your letter and return to you
and Father my most sincere thanks for the
gloves and pictures. The gloves I find
to be much better than any thing I can
buy here for less than two dollars and
a half.. The pictures I am sorry to say
do not flatter you much. But I think
it is not so much the fault of the [artists?]
as yourselves. I sincerely hope you do not
look so sad at all times.. Nothing would
give me more pleasure than to know that
you were well. and contented during my
absence which I can not think will
be a long one. I know you can not help 
feeling a great deal of anxiety on my
about me which is natural: [but?] I must
say unnecessary.

	If you are anxious about my health
beleive me when I say that I never had better
in my life. The severe colds that usually
trouble me winters have not attacked me
at any time this winter. I have been as [far?]
from them as though its were midsummer..
I have been on duty every day but one since
I was home last and would not willingly
return to my former life. If you are fear
ful of other dangers in camp that tend to
lower me in the esteem of all respectable
persons, beleive that I am striving every day
and hour to make myself more worthy
of the esteem which I beleived I had at
home. and am striving to do my duties
here so that comrades and superiors will
esteem me. and parents and friends at
home need not blush for me. So Mother
try to cheer up and feel happy as ever..
that if it should be my good fortune to
see you again I will not see you looking
so sad. I have not been homesick yet
but [illegible in original] I may be if you continue to feel
so bad.. I hope Father has got well again
and that this will find you all enjoying
the best of health and spirits

     New recruits are coming in daily and we
are glad to see them. Nearly a hundred have
come this week and more are expected every
day. Our Capt. has not been in Camp any for
more than two months. He together with our 2nd
Lieut returned Wednesday morning: but Col Mann
sent him off again next morening. and he will
probably be gone three or four weeks.
	The Col. and staff Officer all seem
confident that we shall get all of our pay next
week. I hope so, for then I can return the
money Father has sent me since I have been
here and I hope much more.
	As soon as I have time to mark some
cards I will send some for Aunt [Robb?].
and if possible will send some Photographs
in full uniform and equipments..
   I hardly think our regiments will go west.
although I would much rather do so than go
east..
	But I must now stop writing as
the call for drill is sounding and although
not compelled to go I wish to be on hand
every time.. I wish you and Father would
write again soon.:
	Your Affectionate Son
		Edwin R. Havens