battlefield perfect 🔥

My Dearest Amanda,

Christmas is here again and still does peace seem to be as far away as ever. Alas, how many there were in our army who on last Christmas, cheered themselves that on this day they would be with loved ones at home. Today passed without anything done along our lines by the Yankees. I am confident that it is the good work of glad Yule tidings across the lines.

Although today has been quiet save for the occasional foul work of those deadly sharpshooters I feel we will be in our ditches for some time to come. I am confident in Marse Robert to get us out of here and get at them once the spring comes. Despite the grumbling that persists in our company I and my messmates are determined to bring about those feelings of Christmas we enjoyed before the war however few they are or short they may be. Caleb and myself even sent out to find a small pine in order to deck the humble halls of our little winter hut. We were not as successful as we had hoped but came back with bows of green from the larger trees.

Some Christmas cheer abounded today at an early hour when James Bowers, a corporal in our company, brought up boxes prepared by some of our beloved family. He was on sick furlough and while home he had arranged for the ladies in the area put them together to have them to receive around Christmastime. And let me tell you the joyous time it was to have our own Saint Nicholas come in our camp this morning. Those old feelings of happiness helped to take the edge of cold and war off for a little while yet. Bowers told us nothing of his deeds while home and apparently swore our loved ones to keep quiet about it. I have heard from Mother since before he returned and even she had kept the ruse quiet in her last letter. She even had a box sent up for me.

I received four fine shirts that she and my sister in law had made me from shirting they had bought in Clarksville. I also got two pairs of socks, one pair of suspenders, one coat which I am gladly wearing now as I write this, it is a fine addition to the scarf you made and sent me which I am also wearing. I was also sent potatoes, onions, apples, brandy, brandy peaches, pickles, vinegar, molasses, eggs, popcorn, chestnuts, hickory nuts, light bread, and butter. All of which was gladly shared with my messmates. They too received parcels and packages from their wives, mothers, and sweeties as well. It was a happy time.

Be assured that I am well and in good spirits. I am firmly established in clothing and provender to last me another campaign it seems. I will write you again as soon as I hear from you. My love to you and your dear mother and my regards to Mr. McGregor. Mother is intent on seeing you again soon and I will let her know whether you can take the rail to Clarksville and visit her when you give me your answer in your next letter.