Camp Near Falmouth, Va Feb 9th 1863
My Dear Thomas (Scranton)
I have been thinking of writing you for some time- Yours just read starts me off at once I an glad to be promoted into the Madison Company. But suppose I owe it rather to the influence of some of my Madison friends than to my own merrits. I am equally obliged to them however, it seems pleasant to be with my Madison boys and think that I belong here - Hope that they have no reason to regret the appointment. I don't expect any more promotions or desire any. The regiment is in pretty good health and spirits generally; None of our boys very sick. Appleby however has a heart desire which I suppose may carry him off at any time. He has his discharge made out and will go home immediately I suppose. As to your matters of business I shall have great pleasure in letting you the pasture for the season. It costs me a hundred and twenty five dollars a year but I suppose it is hardly worth that amount as a pasture. Pay me what you choose - say the $25 without the $100, if that isn't too much. As to the old buggy I suppose it would be of considerable use to me when back - in saving a nice buggy in muddy going. Still I will sell if you want it. Isn't it worth $15? The oats I supposed were disposed of before this by somebody. If Rice left everything of that kind with Mr. Meigs. I wish Mr. Meigs would sell them before the rats eat them all up. If he does not attend to it, ask him from me to do so, or find somebody yourself to thrash them. I'll sell them - I should like the straw or at least a part of it left in the barn so as to have something to fill the beds with if I come home. I hope Mr. [Loper] may want to rent my place -but have heard nothing of the part from him - The farm the land I would be willing to rent to Joseph if he will only plough up and hoe that little tough meadow and get it into shape, all of it that isn't too wet. Though as the land is nearly all in grass I am not particular about letting it as I presume I could sell the standing grass. Give my love to your father and mother Scranton and mother Tibbals to Nellie and Clara. To Jos. and wife and to the neighbors. I hope to be home on or before the expiration of my years leave of absence. Am glad to hope the people love me and will like to see me return. I love them and shall be more glad to get back than I can begin to express. Write me as often as you get time. I know I haven't answered you very well. I'll try to do better in the future. Give the enclosed (after reading it if you choose to Frank.
Yours truly,
Samuel Fiske