December 5, 1861 Dear Father: I received your letter to-day and also a letter from Mrs. Joy to you which I shall send back enclosed in this. I have less time to write than formerly, as we Officers have a bayonet exercise, and I have some foils and am taking lessons in fencing. I shall endeavor to follow all the good advice you have given me. Mrs. Joy's letter is rather good, but I think it flatters me altogether too much. Our regiment is assigned to post of honor in the division, the right of the first brigade. Stevenson's regiment is coming here. Perhaps Watkins and the others can come on with him. If not, I should think General Bullock could send them on. Remember me to all the folks. We shall probably not leave here at present. Yours truly, W.F. Draper The following September, Mrs. Joy became Draper's mother-in-law when he married her daughter, Lilla. Next letter Draper Letter Menu |