A Letter to Lilla - December 1861

Camp Hicks

December 30, 1861

My dear Lilla:

This is probably the last time that I shall address you from this camp. We are now under orders to depart

of rather to hold ourselves in readiness to depart at twelve hours notice. Where we shall go is as much a

mystery to me as to thee, but it is generally understood that we are to commence the active service -- the

real fighting of the campaign.

I received a letter from you to-night--a good, long one--you know I like long letters, and last week I also

received one containing certain pictures of yourself, which I was very happy to receive. You desired me to

send one home, but to use a camp phrase, "I can't see it."

You speak of not receiving my letter. It must have miscarried for I certainly wrote one. I have written home

that we had renewed our correspondence, but told them not to speak of it elsewhere till further orders, or to

express myself differently, till I give my permission for them to do so.

I had a negative taken for photographs just before I left home, and have sent to Father to send you an

impression. It was taken in full uniform.

Since I wrote to you before I have been detached from my regiment and put on Signal duty for this division.

This brings me on the General's staff and will probably give me the rank of Captain in the Regular Army. I

am giving my whole attention to the study of the code. It is a more dangerous as well as a more honorable

position than I have heretofore occupied.

This is probably the last time you will hear from me for some time. Write once more to Annapolis unless

you know we have gone. As soon as opportunity offers, I shall write again. It is now past taps---the time for

all lights to be out, so I must close.

Yours till death,

W.F. Draper

Possibly the picture mentioned in the letter below.