GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #1

Anson to his Parents

Camp Lincoln Oct 12, '61[1]

Dear Parents

The Capt. said nothing about our delay from camp. Everything is wet and muddy.

However we can keep dry in our tents and sleep well. Edwin has a slight headache this morning aside from him we are all well. We met Hez & Wesley at the Depot as we came up so that we could not send our blankets home by them. Morton goes today but we do not wish to burden him with all the blankets. My blanket is so much heavier than the others, perhaps I shall not send it. We shall not send them today unless someone comes from town. We bought us each a revolver one of Smith Wesson's seven shooter.[2] Father, I wish you would go to the store and get me the smallest diary you can find. Mine is too large. Bring it over when you come. Mother please bring me a handful of your waist thread as I have none in my what you call it. Those packets are very convenient indeed. We will send our blankets as soon we can. I will send mine and you may do as you please about lining it. Albert Baker stayed with us last night. You may believe we slept soundly having been up so much at home. (Edwin says ask Father to get me one woolen shirt.) I have one and we think one apiece will be sufficient. We have just received our belts, bayonet sheaths and cartridge boxes.

    To Charlie[3]

            Be a good boy, think of Ned and Anson. You must come over and see us. Be kind to Father and Mother.

I attended the prayer meeting last eve. We had a very good meeting though but few present. Camp really begins to seem like home to us. It is rather today so cloudy & wet and so many off on furloughs.

Give our love to all enquiring friends reserving a large share to yourselves.

Your dutiful son

Anson