“With much love,
“Your affectionate brother,
“K. F. Peddicord.”
“Officers’ Barracks, Division 27,
“Fort Delaware, 4th January, 1865.
“Dear Sister:
“Glad to acknowledge receipt of your kind letter of the 26th (the answer to mine of 16th), but better pleased to find enclosed five dollars ($5). However, that expression conveys but a feeble idea of my feelings and of the heartfelt thanks to you for your sisterly kindness and attention. It put new life into me. I trust that my three or four letters subsequent to the 16th have all safely reached you, together with two rings enclosed at different times, and I also hope with the rings you are well pleased. Give one to Sam. If they are not what you wanted, tell me, and I’ll try again. I sent Cousin Bell one for a Christmas gift.
“I received yesterday per express a box containing pair of pants, shoes, 2 pairs of socks, hair brush, looking-glass, handkerchief, twelve sheets of letter paper, package of envelopes, small blank book and pencil, soap, two books,—‘India’ and ‘Prince Regent,’—two towels, all of which I am much pleased with. Had the flannel shirts been put in they would have done more good than shoes. I have just had my boots half-soled, and I think they will nearly last me this winter.
“When I went outside to get the package I did not bring the shoes, for the custom is to exchange your old clothes for the new ones. Therefore, I did not trade my boots off, though they are old and they are the best for winter and such snow as we have now. I received a letter dated 26th from Lily yesterday, as quite well, and had received a letter from you, then safe at P——. I also received one from home of the 21st, written by Jennie. All well. Jennie was about going to Tennessee. I received one from M——, same date, and very sweet, written a few moments after kissing my mother’s eldest, who was never better. The rogue read my last and sent his love, etc. Give my best to all kind friends.
“With much love to Sam, Ernest, Minnie, and your dearest self, I am