April 24th  [1863?]
     You will think that I am bound to give
you quite a letter and perhaps imagine that I
am homesick because I write home so
often and such long letters.. But I deny that
I am homesick.. You all know the effect
of rainy weather, and the tendency it has to
cause ones mind to wander, and as I have nothing
to read my mind must be releived of its thoughts
and so I write.  It does not rain this
morning but is cloudy and with a cool
wind.. and I think it quite probable that
it will rain before night.. I must go on picket
this morning and releive another Sergt
who went on yesterday.. The picket duty we
are doing at the present time is neither
hard nor dangerous. being in fact naught
but camp guards mounted. and to me seem
totally unnecessary. No rebels are nearer
to us than the Blue Ridge Mountains
and if there was there are pickets extend
ing miles from camp.  Many are fool
hardy enough to say that our noble Col
is afraid to sleep unless the regt is under
arms to guard him.. I dont think so
although it may be so.. No telling.

	The pay master will be here to
morrow and will proceed to pay us off
immediately. His presence will be very wel
come to all for many of the boys have not
seen a “Green Back since the times of Auld
Lang Syne.” I am not quite so badly
off yet for I see a five cent postage currency
scrip lying on my knee as I write.. that 
will help pay the postage on two letters
and then well, I'll send them franked
and let those who receive them pay the postage..
	But you are getting tired and
say I wonder what makes Ed run on
so long. So for fear you will be so weary
that you will neglect to write very soon
I will stop.. Newt arrived in camp
yesterday  He is yet unable to do any
duty..
	Give my best respects to all the
friends. and remember me as your
most Affectionate Son and Brother
		Edwin R. Havens