Camp McNeal
Sept 16 1862
Dear Kate,
Yours of the 11th arrived yesterday. It found me well and enjoying myself first rate. We have just
got to drilling now days. It is rather hard work, but I can stand it if any one can. I have traded
that pistol off and got me a first rate watch by paying 4 dollars to boot. I think I made a good
trade. They say my watch is worth 20 dollars. I should not have traded if I had not wanted one.
Being Sergant, I have to see the guards are changed and I had to have the time or borrow one
from some body else, and that is not very handy.
I received a letter from Laura yesterday. She is well and wants to come to some hospitall down
here. I think its no place for her in fact I know it is not. One must make up their minds to see
every thing and hear every thing that is not fit to be seen and heard, for there it is, and the
officers cannot help it.
I bought me a new coat yesterday. Shall send the one that I drew at Harrisburg home with Lieut
Reynolds of Ulysses when he sends his home and perhaps some other things, as I have more than
I can carry around with me. There is no use of one killing himself carrying clothes. The one I
bought is better than the one that I shall send home. I gave $1.25 cts. I thought it worth the
money.
I drew some money the other day. Think I shall not send any home untill I know that the rebels
will not take it from the railroad. We expect to get some more this month. If I do, I will send it
all at once when it gets safe. I think you had better have the debts paid as fast as you can. Then
they will be off from your hands. I have used more money than I shall if I am well. Am getting
so I can eat the food better than I could at the start so it will not cost me so much to live.
Tell Jerome and Cynthia I should like to have them and Mother write to me. I write home as
often as I get time and tend to my other duties. I have not writen half as many letters as I
promised when I came from home, but I will write to our own folks often for I want to hear
from you.
I have seen the President three or four times. He went past where I was doing duty twice a day to
his summer residents. I have seen handsomer men than he is, but he looks firm.
Tell Willie he must be a good boy and help take care of Mark. I will get my picture taken some
day and send it to them. Love to all the family write often.
yours,
A.L.Harvey
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