Camp Stonewall Brig. 
April, 17th  [1864] 
 
Dear Sister: 
 
 I received your letter of the 9th. a day or so ago, but as I had a severe spell of ennui, or spring fever, I have delayed writing, and I suppose if I wish any more "pretty paper" I had better hurry up, but I believe I like the old blue the best, of which I think you have an inexhaustible supply.  You see that you are not the only one who has pretty paper, but yours didn't have pretty cross lines like mine has.  I think that I will write across to satisfy Mothers fancy of full sheets.  I want you to stop taunting me about my pretty weather on picket; it seems to afford you some satisfaction, you cold hearted creature.  Of course I enjoy it. 
 
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 I am glad to hear that there were two young misses in Lexington whose brains were not completely carried away with a review of the gallant and meritorious V.M.I.'s by a real line Gen.   
 I see Lexingtonians are as big Mummies as ever, when any body new comes to town, it is always Mr. this and Mr. that but they will get bit some of these days.  Missouri acquaintance, Ah!!  Beware of the dashing cavalier; maybe he is more dashing than you ever think. 
 I like to know when you ever saw a cavalryman who was ever injured by hardships as you are pleased to term them.  Dont believe the reports about starvation, as you say it is all newspaper twaddle; by the way that is a funny word, but a very expressive one, where did you come across him? 
 
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 We have all sent off our extra baggage and are now prepared to move along rapidly as we have only one blanket and change of clothing.  I kept my overcoat, did'nt like to trust it to Richmond.  Will send it home by Mr. Middleton if he comes down, that is if he will bring me anything in the shape of grub in exchange for it.  I have all my baggage hauled so will have an easy time this summer.  I suppose you have almost despaired of my commission.  It has gone to Richmond to Jefferson Davis, but the old man has so much of the same sort of trash to attend to that it takes a long time to get around but it will get around after while.  In the meantime I am getting all the benefits of it, anyway I am called Lieut. as big as any body, if I cant sign myself an officer.  You'll direct letters to Lieut. Barclay after while.   
 
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Dont take all I have said as good earnest or you would think you brother has turned mummie.  I care very little about the honors of the office, but it is the privileges I have; on that account I price it. 
 
 I heard an excellent sermon today from Mr. Hopkins.  He is such a good nice man.  I think he is one of the most pleasant men I ever saw.  Anyone coming into camp would not imagine that the gay young man enjoying with such zest in a game of ball or pitching quoits or playing marbles was a Chaplain.  But these are the kind of men that we want for Chaplains, not stiff unsociable men but men who will mingle with the soldiers in all their amusements.  All of the men like Mr. Hopkins and Mr. See on that account and they always have good congregations.  I have a great notion to cross this letter but fear that you would not be able to read it and it would be such a pity to not be able to read this, it is such an elegant production.  This is a pretty way to spend Sunday evening writing this nonsense but I feel in a good humor so I hope that you will not blame me. 
 
A.T.B.