December 4, 1861 from Camp Jo Holt

December 4, 1861 from Camp Jo Holt

Camp Jo Holt Decr 4 1861

Dear Margarett

I read your letter this Morning and I was glad to heare from you you do not know how much good it does me to heare from you. I have been unwell for a few day past with a bowell complaint which has run me down for the length of time that I had it. It has stoped? on me. I am at camp to day. I have been at Mr Johnson's since Sunday last till to day. They took good care of me they made me a bed by the fire in their room and gave me every attention that I could have recd. Also they have a good a_____? of Black berry wine that they furnished me freely and I think helped me very much. The measles is in our camp about 15 or 20 of our boy have them in the hospital. I shall every remember the Kindness of Mr Johnson and family. I am Quite week not able for duty that is to do my self Justice and I expect to do Justice to my self first & uncle Sam next. The cold weather is hard on the boy in camp. I will be glad when we get Organized and all fixt out right. No one knows the trouble & Responsibility of getting a camp army? fixt-up all right the list of clothing etc. We are today returning our overcoats and drawing others in there place to hunt up all the boy and get they coats & and have all right is no small Job. Our boy have drawn 1 pr pants 2 shirts 2 pr drawers 1 Cap? 1 Jacket a Round about coat one over coat and all that wanted Shoes or socks but few of the latter have been drawn.

I do not Know when I will be at home. I will come as Soone as I can. I expect that we will go into Qtrs? soon. I have not yet ________? my __________? but it has been around.

I expect that I will be at home in a few day or at least some time next week. If you could leave home I wold like for you to spend a weeke at Jeffersonville & New Albany. You know how your affairs are. I expect that you have got my pants & vest Made. _____? was to have the cloth by the next monday after I left home. If you can so arrange your affairs make arangements to spend a week at Jeffersonville & New Albany. I hope you are well. I am sorry that you are sad.

chere? up trust in God and feare no evil.

yours, write soon

John A Ritter