Stocking Up for Winter 1863

"...Now this must be sent just as quick as possible..."

As winter closed in on Philip and his company, the need for provisions grew fierce to survive.  The urgency with which he continues his letter and the exactness of the items to be sent conveys that:

"Enclosed you will find a slip of paper containing directions for a couple of Tin dishes that you will give to Bill Crafts & have them packed full of Stuff. The Big Pail will be good to pack the Butter~ Now one other thing [,] Mr. Cuppernall wants to share in this box so you will have to make it a little larger on that account.  

He wants his wife to send him 3 or 4 lbs Cheese 3 or 4 lbs Butter ~ some Sausages ~ some good Apples [word crossed out] 2 dark colored Handkerchiefs &c ~ Let her know it as quick as you get this letter ~ She ought to pay part of the Express charges ~ Now this must be sent just as quick as possible as there will be more certainty of my getting it ~ all right you can fill up all vacant places in it with Nut Cakes ~ I don't know but I am asking more than you can afford too ~ to send this box but you kept writing to me send for anything I wanted. What Mrs Cuppernall puts in you may mark seperate (sic) from mine ~ Parsons wants Orville Burnham to put him in a pair of Suspenders..."

His letter mentioned earlier about the lines being opened for packages to arrive safely down to the troops.  I imagine this was his urgency.  He continues:

"I have Company Capt Wm Wall 152nd NY.S.V walk into camp to see us & he is with me now he makes a good looking officer & I hope a good one ~ he is going back tomorrow but I must close as the mail will go out in a few minutes [.] Those things that are liable to mould & not keep pack so if they should spoil they wont spoil the whole Box but you will know[.] Now be sure & send it immediately[.] We are all well

Yours with Love

P.R. Woodcock

Mark the Box same as you would a letter & send it by Express ~ it you want to make any inquiries in regard as how to do that ask [either Pier or Pierce?]  he is used to Express business and maybe could get it through for you at 1/2 rates you  Father had better see him any way good bye

PR Woodcock"

And there you have it--January 1863 is done!  Thank you readers as I work on this manuscript.  It has certainly helped and keeps me on track.

Tomorrow ~ February Freeze!

Hope to see you then!