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a flash lighting up the heavens, like lightning in the distance of a hot summer evening then for fifteen seconds, a red light shoots upwards with lightning velocity. At about the same time that it begins to desend, can hear the report of the gun. Some of the Shells burst on the fortifications in front of us with a terrible crash and woe be to any poor mortal that is struck by the pieces. The first sound of the shell is like a heavy wind, then distant thunder, then comes a crash, which would make an unaccustomed ear jump and open their eyes in astonishment, but nothing astonishes a Soldier, he can lay down on the ground and sleep as quietly as at home on a feather bed. In your last letter you asked me if I believed in dreams, well not always, for dreams go by contraries you know. Since I have been here I have received seven or eight letters and answered as many. On Sunday last I wrote three one to Sister Lucy, Fanny Burgess, and one to Ed. Thomas. Do you not think I am getting Smart to write so much. I got a letter from Lucy a few days ago with her Photograph inclosed. At first I could hardly believe that it was my Sister, but after examineing it for a time, could see the familiar features. If you can get any opportunity send me, two pair of Cotton Socks, a handkerchief, and a good lead pencil. It is such a bother to write with such soft things as we can get here. If you can not do any better send me half a pencil in a letter, then it will not break. Do not believe that you can read this letter, if so remember that it is from your loveing brother Carlie