Camp on Buckners neck
Dear Friend
       I have been looking for a letter from you for two or three days and as none has come I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know how we all are things have been going on pretty much as the were when you left we had a pretty rainy time on picket after you left Turk Duff went across the river and traded for some coffee it is now snowing just what we want we had orders a night or two ago to be ready to march at any moment every person seemes to think that the yanks will cross as soon as the weather will admit at it Our Alabamians have left us they went to Gen Lonstreet corps and two North Carolina regment have taken the place of the Alabamian Smith and the rest of the boys are at the same old trade that they were always at when you were hear Capt Fickle has been sleeping with me ever since you have been gone I know that you laughed if you had been here at Louse and Sulivan Sulivan came in the other evening and told Louise that it was his time to go on guard Louise swore that it was no such a thing Sulivan disputed Louises word and Louise struck him I jumped in between them it was as much as I could do to keep Louise from whipping him anyhow but it all blowed off and Louise went on guard but he swears that he will thrash him yet There was a letter came hear for you and I broke it open and it was from Hays I read it and answered it he said that they were well and doing well. When you come back I want you to bring some postage stamps I have none and cant get any I will have to frank this on that account and dont forget to get some leather home Father to [...] sale my boots when you start back you must be careful and not hurt yourself by rancing around while you are at home you must speak a good word for me to the girls while you are sprusing around You must write me and tell all about your trip from heare for it is a fine thing for you that you got off when you did for the furlows are stoped now for the present. I recon that Ike steped high when he got off of the cars Give my respects to all the people tell Dave Cowan that he musent get married before I get home for I want to go to the wedding the boys are all well and all send their to you write soon
No more at present but remain your friend James A. Gilmer