January 4, 1865
Cook, George B., fl. 1845-1865
Autograph letter signed
Title: to sister
Is replying to her letter dated 1864/12/25, which he received this evening. Can only enjoy Christmas so much when there are thousands of shells falling around him every hour. Fortunately, no one in the company was hurt. The shelling took place near where Cape Fear empties into the ocean, about 15 miles below Wilmington, where Fort Fisher is located. Sold one of his extra shirts today. "I can tell you that playing cards, getting drunk, cursing, quarreling, and fighting is a [thing] that Col. Brown don't allow." Claims people at home cannot know a thing about war until they are part of it. Asks…
GLC00653.22.11