This is an awful day and makes me
feel as though I would like to be at home
sitting by the fire than here. But we
are comfortable here, and have nothing
of which we out to complain. There is nothing
I hate worse than taking care of horses but
there is no getting out of it however unless
one is sick enough to get a Surgeons excuse
and I am not quite so sick as to get that
yet. I still act as Commissary Sergt. and could
get back out of stable duty on that pretext
but I also retain command of my division of the
company and the Capt. expects me to go with them
unless actually engaged in drawing provisions
so that don't screen me. As Commissary Segt. I
have to draw the rations for the company from the
Commissary of the regiment, draw requisitions, keep
accounts of all provisions drawn and not drawn.
   This business is quite easy, and I would have
more time to rest if I did only this. But there are
so few men here to do the work and at present
but one Sergt. in the company liable to guard duty
or take charge of a squad at present. So that
whatever I can do I feel as though I ought to do it.
  The work is hard and our time all occupied
yet it is interesting and I never feel like giving
up. It is about the only business I never get tired
of learning. We have Four evening schools
a week in the tactics or theory of our drill,
taught by our Adjutant who is respected by all
of the men. How I hope you will answer 
this. You may think that I have so many letters
that you could write nothing to interest me
But you are mistaken. Nothing pleases me so much
as to have a letter to read and one from you could
never come too of ten for me. There is something
in the influence your letters wield over me that
makes them almost necessary, and if you could
feel as I do about them you could not help writing
       With prayers for the blessings of health prosper
ity and Heaven upon you I remain your affec
tionate son
		      Edwin R Havens

     Col. Kellogg is doing all in his power to have us
sent to Washington, and I think Col. Mann favors
the plan. I am glad to hear of Rene's safety, but I
have not received a line from him yet, and think it
nearly time. The chance of my getting another furlough
is much better now than it has been for some time
past. Yet I dare not set any time for a visit with you
all. When it comes, (if it ever does) it will be a short one
probably not more than a week. The Capt. has furloughed
eight this week, their furloughs extending until the twelfth.
    When they return I think that more of us will get one.
 Seven of those who deserted last week have been brought
or have come back of their own accord. Three others have
not been reported, but we know where they are another is
at home sick and unable to be removed, and another,
George Matchet has enlisted into the regulars for five
years. Of those returned to camp two have been
committed to jail to await trial by General Court
Martial for desertion. The other have been given into
the custody of Capt. Walker to be put upon any duty he
may impose except guard duty, he holding himself
responsible for their future desertion. None of them will
I think desert again. I wrote to Father and Mother on
Sunday last from which I hope to hear soon.
	You will perhaps think this a short letter but
it is the last bit of paper that I have and contains
all that I know. Give my best respects to all old
friends and answer soon. When you can come
here do not hold back.  Al in all probability did not
know what he was saying when he told you I
would be home this week. Tell everyone who writes
to be careful and direct to Co. ‘A' for although they
may come to camp I may not get them at all if
directed otherwise.
	           Yours	         Edwin R. Havens

[Written upside down under name: 2/7/63]

[Written vertically in left margin:
“P.S. Send me my manual of Phonography if  you can and oblige Ed”]