.NTQx.OTI5

He has the keenest eye of any man I ever saw, he can see every movement that is made on Dress parade, and the penalty of moving hand or foot or of the least unnessary noise is six days extra duty to a private or the reduction to a non commissioned Officer. As for myself believe am rather a favorite for I have crossed him two or three times, and as yet have never been reproved. Troops are concentrating at this place, all preparations are being made fro a Military Movement in some direction perhaps through the interior of the state to Montgomery, that I should much prefer to staying here all Summer (Although this is a healthy place) for I have always had the best health when on the march, and can stand the marching as well as the best of them. Our Regt was never in as good health as at the present time since leaving Dauphin Island which was about the middle of Dec. it has sent but one man to the General Hosp. with sickness and there are not over ten, or fifteen excused daily as for myself I occasionaly have a draw back for a day or two, but not enough to interfere at all with my duty My weight is now 161 lbs. that is a gain of about twelve lbs. since I left you. Have writen this with a pencil because I hate to sit on the ground with my portfolio on my knee, and write with a pen. [begin vertical writing] With love and kises to all I remain as ever Your loving Brother Carl [vertical writing end]