Camp near Fredericksburg, VA
December 23, 1862
 
Dear Sister Lizzie,
 
I have an opportunity of sending you a few lines by a gentleman from Shreveport who is out on a visit to see his sons in the 1st Regiment and is going to return home in the morning. As the mails are so irregular, I avail myself of every opportunity of send letters by hand. I wrote a few lines to Father, Mother a few days ago, but fearful it will not be received. I write you a few more.
 
This leaves me in fine health, although I suffer some from cold. I have not been sick a day this winter. The health of the army is very good. We have had several cases of small pocks in the brigade but none in the Regiment as yet. I understand that it is raging so in Richmond, that they refused to let you take furlough, even to the wounded soldiers. I suppose that they are afraid that they will sanction it. I don’t apprehend any changes. I was vaccinated about a month ago. It took very well. If I were to take it, it would go very light with me. There has been a general order for the whole army to be vaccinated, those that have not been. I think nearly all have been. I write a few lines to Mother in reference to the box of sundries she sent me last year. It arrived a week or two ago. Everything in it was so damaged and spoiled we could do nothing with them. I am very sorry for it, but we appreciated them as though they had come all right.
 
Lizzie, Christmas is nearly here and we have nothing for it. Not even a good biscuit or a cup of coffee. Nothing but beef and flour and withered out greens. We will try to pass it off and think it is all for the best.
 
I think there is some prospect of our being transferred back to Louisiana in January. General Moore has made a requisition for the Louisiana troops in Virginia. I think after things become more quiet we will be sent back if so, I think we’ll get furloughs.
 
Lizzie, my old Mess has nearly played out. Dolph and myself are the only representation. The rest have been killed and wounded. Dolph sends his fondest regard to you and the balance of the family. Tell his Ma that he and Gus are both well. Present my best regards to Miss Lenora. Tell her I expect to appreciate a drink of her fine wine when I come out on furlough.
 
Present my best regards to all my lady friends and accept a due portion yourself. Your affectionate brother,
 
Wint
 
P. S. Tell Aunt Price I received the red pepper she sent me in the box. Give her my best love. I would like very much to see her. I thought Cousin Richard might write me a few lines most anytime. Give he and his family my best regards.
 
Wint