James Ammerman to Sara Jane Ammerman Hagenbuch, January 7, 1865

[page 11] [James Ammerman to his sister, Sarah Jane Ammerman Hagenbuch (E.D. Holmes’ Maternal grandmother) ]
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Hospitle Jan 7th 1865

Dear Sister & Family

I should have written to you before this time, but I got out of stamps & had no way of getting any until I wrote to Jack to send some to me. I received a letter from him yesterday containing a few. I am still in the hospitle where I have been for the last three weeks. I am getting much better now and think I shall be able to return to my regiment in course of a few days.

[page 12] I have recovered my speech so that I can talk. I am a little hoarse yet but am getting better every day. For two weeks I was unable to speak above a whisper. Yesterday I walked over to my regiment & got some news that was there for me. I have not seen Ben since the raid. I understand he is guard at Division Head Quarters. You must have good times up there sleigh riding. I wish I was up there to have a ride. We have not had any snow

[page 13] here except about an inch and that all melted in a couple hours.

We expect to be paid sometime this month but we may be disappointed.

I have been looking for a letter from you for some time but have received none yet. Write soon as you get this & let me know what for time you had on New Years & Christmas. I was obliged to remain in the hospitle & eat toast bread. But I go to the table in the Cook House & eat now. We have good meals & plenty of it

[page 14] I look for some the Boys over here to see me from the Company tomorrow, today is Saturday, tomorrow is Sunday. As it is now about supper time I will close. My respects to Pat and the children. Write soon & direct your letter to Regiment as you did before.

From your Brother James M. Ammerman

Happy New Year