Pine Bluff, Ark. Feb. 2nd, 1864 Dear Parents Your kind letters were received last night. You do not know how it cheers my heart to hear from my dear parents. You cannot realize how much more cheerful camp is after hearing from the dear ones. Last night the boys nearly all of them were snugly wrapped up in their blankets, some of them had forgotten all trouble while others were thinking of home and the dear ones there. When it was shouted by the orderly, " Fall in for mail" in less than no time the boys were up and dressed shouting "Bully for the mail". It would do you good to hear their names called. Everything is quiet until someone's name is called, then it is "Here, bully for that letter" "That is from home (or from the girl), bully for that". But enough of this. We are getting along finely here now the best I think the best we have since we have been in the service (that is those of us that are in the battery) on guard every five days while those that are in the regt. are on picket or guard every other day. Are living now fine and have a splendid cook, cooks chicken pies, biscuits and everything that is good. We have a good deal of sport getting chickens from the secesh. Sometimes we are chased clear into camp. We have made up our minds that it is not wrong to gobble from those who would take our lives if they could. My health never was better than it is now. God is very good to me. Oh that I could praise Him enough for His goodness to me. It is good Father to trust in Jesus. He is the soldier's best friend, one that is always near to comfort. If it was not for Him soldiering would be a weary life for me. Oh that all my dear friends would love Jesus. How it would rejoice my heart if my dear sisters would love Jesus. Let us continue to pray for them and that we may meet in Heaven an unbroken family where war never comes, no traitors are allowed there. You ask me what I thought about you selling out and going to Iowa. I have no objections in the least. You are very kind in asking my advice but Father I do not wish to stand in your way. Do as you think best. But remember wherever you go (if God spares my life) there I will be. The captain arrived last night. He looks quite fresh. Did he not slip off rather slyly. Is he married and if he is to who? I think he will be mustered out of the service. The boys send their respects, mine to all the friends. Write often to your son. Lewis