1864-04-25_Letter-A_Alvord_to_MyDear

Camp near Hampton va Apl 25th. 1864

My Dears

Have just come from Yorktown, where troops are rapidly gathering—& some 2000 contra-bands under the care of Quakers from Phil, are being [instructed?]—For the time being I have taken quarters with the 5th U. S. C. [T?]. but expect to leave in the boot this P.M., for Pt Lookout to see the Hosp^e & rebel prisons there^#. It is pleasant now & dusty—quite Summer like—movement ^of the Grand Army^ is very near but I shall not be able to remain long enough to see it, as The 1^st May draws near. Monday or Tuesday shall D.V. be in Washington. Then a day or two on the front of the Potomac Army, & home. If I dont come by the 1^st dont be disappointed—As the public meeting is not until the 11^th I shall not so much, be needed—Get your house cleaned fixed & by the 2^d or 3^d. at [furtherest?] I will be there.

Have succeeded well in starting our operations for the Campaign—The Reading I brought has been accom-panied with the promise that more should follow, and the Col^d troops are especially eager that it shall be given then. Most of the Regts raised in the north can read—

[sideways on left side:] # Did not accomplish this plan—

& those who cannot are eager to learn, a system of schoolmaster duties by the Sargeants—all of whom can read—will I think be instituted—at least I hope so, —It strikes all as feasible—& if so, ^these troops^ will want their material for the purpose from us.

There seems more to do than ever on this great field—Christianity is recognized now as I have never seen it before—& therefore there is no limit to what Christian effort may now attempt to accomplish—

Mond, 25^th,

Preached last evening at the Fort to the Col^d people—Good attendance and attention—

Go again to Norfolk this P.M. & up to Balt, for washington—in the evening [at?]

Am talking with Mrs. [Wilche?] about a girl for you. I could get one—but am afraid you are not ready for her—Had I not better make arrangements for ger to come on hereafter

Take good care of every thing, health especially—outdoors is the place for it. I feel much better when driving about in the open air—I suppose you will not be able to reach me by letter again—but suppose two or three are on the way Yrs as ever J. W. Alvord