Friday City Point October 21st, 1864
Dear sister,
I finished a letter to mother this morning and forgot to mention a part
of the directions. I told her to direct Washington D.C. 188th Regiment and
forgot to tell her about the N.Y. Volunteers and in care of Captain H. G.
Denniston.
I told mother all of the news but I will try to tell you some things. We
have been digging all day and am tired. I cannot write worth a snap. We have
got a piece of candle about two inches long and there is three or four
writing around it. It is sticking up in a bayonet and I am writing on the
crown of my cap. You may tell mother about the directions and be sure to
answer this letter. Well, Helen, how do you get along? Do you teach school
yet? and where are you going to teach school this winter? Has any of J.T.
Benton's folks been out there yet? How does all of the boys and girls get
along out to old Pulteney? How does Grandfather and Grandmother get along? Is
the grapes all gathered? I shall not forget the grapes that I ate that day. I
must stop for it is roll call. Please don't forget the directions. Good-by
from your brother, George N. Ball
(He must have added this after roll call.)
Good morning....How do you do this morning? I am well. I have not had
breakfast yet. I am going to be on guard today. That is for twenty-four
hours. It rained some last night. For the first since I come here there was
some firing between the pickets last night, but they have not yet got in so I
don't know to what effect. Breakfast is ready. Good-by. George N. Ball
