Fredericksburg Va Jan 1st 1863

Dear Mollie

In the last you wrote that I must remember you on the first day of the year. I write now that you may know that I am thinking of you.

We are going on piquet again to night. Have our rshions to cook, cant write at length. We are duty two days and off four, have had a dull Christmas except one day we got pleanty of apply brandy at thirty dollars pr gallon.

There is no prospect of a fight at present, but it will not take long to scare up one. There is some talk of going into winter quarters; Gen Longstreet had called for a report of all that have had furlougs, and that have been absent from the command. Some think he is going to give the most deserving furloughs a few at a time.

If that is so your man will come in for one; now wont that bee fine for me to come home and see your big fat self. If you are smoking I wont stay with you long as light as you make of the affair.

Well Love you spoke of comeing up. I would bee rejoiced to see you in Va. I think you would bee pleased with your visit. There is danger of your taking the small pox; as it is rageing considerably in Richmond and vicinity. Dont come until you hear from me again.

The drum has beat for us to fall into line [and] must close. Tell [his sister] Bittie I’ll remember her for macking fun of me. That knows she is telling fibs. Am glad you have sold your hogs. You are flush now. Will have to draw on you.

Give my love to all the family. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain as ever your Husband.

Newton