Lenoir’s Station East Tenn. & Virginia R. R.

Feb 3rd/64

Dear Jodie,

I received a letter from you on the 21st of Dec, and answered it on Christmas, and have been waiting for an answer very patiently ever since, until I have already give up receiving one in despair. What is the matter? Is it your fault, or is it the fault of the mail? I will not lay the blame on you, for I can hardly think that—for you have always been pretty prompt in answering my letters. I would like to hear from you once more, and would feel very thankful if you would answer this as soon as you receive it. This is such a lonesome place, and I am always glad when I receive a letter so I will have something to read. So please act accordingly. Since I heard from you last we have had a small fight with the rebels, but I escaped unhurt. We had it pretty rough for about one hour, when night put an end to the (?). Our loss were 9 wounded and 2 missing, supposed to have been taken prisoners. We have been stationed at this place now for nearly 2 weeks, but how long we will remain here is hard to tell. We received marching orders yesterday morning and started for Knoxville, but only got 2 ½ miles when the order was countermanded, and we returned back to camp, a glad set of men, I do care about leaving this place soon, for we have got good quarters built. Our Corps has been on the march nearly all the time since we left Chattanooga I think it is about time we were resting a little.

I received a letter from home yesterday. Your folks and mine are all well, Bill (Cruletfield?) and family is going to move over to Harbine’s Station on the (?) R. R. in the Spring. I also received a letter from “Mrs. Lillie Cook” formerly Miss Lillie Fish. She and her husband are living at Warren, Trumbull Co. Ohio, She said I should give you her best respects when I wrote to you, Luther is at Knoxville, It is only 23 miles from here, and if I get a chance I intend calling on him. The weather for the last 2 or 3 weeks has been delightful, but last night it changed, and today is quite cool, I see by the papers that the winter was unusually cold in the North. I was pretty cold here during the holidays also. Well Jodie, I must get ready for battalion still and must close this. I am well and earty and hope this may find you the same. Write soon and direct to Chattanooga. Love to you.

Affectionately, J. Hill