| 1865-06-16 | Camp near Alexandria, Va. |
| Camp 45th Regt P.V.V. Near Alexandria, Va. June 16th 1865 Dear Parents Your very welcome letter of the 9th and 10th came to hand this evening, also one from Annie. I was very glad to hear from you again. Your letters have nearly all, if not all of late reached me and I have answered all very punctual for I always love to have mine answered punctual. Then letters from home serve to pass away many lonly hours. I am glad that Ella is up with you. She will be company for Annie and all of you. I mailed a letter to Annie this morning, therefore will wait until tomorrow evening before writing to her again, then I will write to Ella and mail with hers. The reports of returned prisoners have proved a failure for us. The order came to the Regt but was never allowed to be promulgated, therefore we do not get any extra pay nor are we to be mustered out. I think it very unfair but will never complain as it will do no good. I once thought our Government done things justly but I fear some of our Officials in power do things sometimes to their own benefit, notwithstanding orders to the contrary are issued from the War Dept but all will come out right in the end. I do not think I shall get home in time for haying. If you can let the grass perhaps it would be best for it will be impossible for you to do it alone and I suppose help is as scarce as hens teeth. There is no prospect of our getting pay yet. I am anxious to be payed off so that I could send some money home to help do the work with. I am afraid you cannot get your work done without some money. If you can get along I will send some home as soon as we are payed off, but my candle is about burned out and I must close this letter. Please excuse the brevity of this and I will try to write a longer letter next time. My best wishes to all. So good night with pleasant dreams. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain Your Ever Affectionate Son J.D. Strait | |