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will be the 8th of this month, and then in one year we will be mustered out of the service. It is true we have been in the army over two years but we have to be in three years from the time we were mustered into the Regiment, which was on the 8th of September 1862. On the 22d of this month is my birthday. It will make the third birthday I have spent in the army and I hope by the next one I will be at home. Dear Sister while in New Orleans some one stole the little needle case you and Lee made me. They stole it out of my room. I think the fellow that stoled it is mean enough to do anything. Arnt you? It made me feel sorry when I found it was gone, for I wanted to bring it home with me when I returned but now its gone, I can not. You wished to know if I was going have a sword and sash. I am entitled to both and as soon as I am where I can obtain them I intend to get them. In directing your letters direct to James Rowe, Hosp. Steward, 97th Ill. Vols. 2d Brigade 3d Division 19th A.C., in the field. On the present one you put Co. "G." As I am no longer a member of the company please to obmit the "G." I now do not belong to any company. I belong to the Non-comiss. staff. They are five on the non-comiss. Staff: Sergt. Major; Quartermaster Sergant; Comissary Sergt.; Hospital Steward; and Chief Comissary. I receive about 12 dollars more than any of them, they pay is 21 or 22 dollars per month, mine is 33 dollars. I am glad you enjoyed the trip out to the country so well and hope you will continue to enjoy yourself. So Lizzie Wychoff wishes me to send her my Photg. If I had one left I would do so but as I have not I can not. I may get some more after a while but I do not know