The Civil War Letters Annapolis, Maryland November 23, 1861

Annapolis Md. Nov 23d 1861

Dear Wife

I take the oppertunity of writing to you today being that I have got a littel spare time for it is raining in tourents today and we have to stay in the tent to keep dry  we are still encamped at Annaplis but I do not know how soon we will move south  I expect that when we start we will land at Fortress Monroe and from there I do not know when we will go but when I get there I will write to you and let you know.  I received your letter last night and also one from my Father  he said that he thought that you would pay them a visit at Reading about Christmas but I expect they will miss me on Christmas day for that was my annual visiting day. I answerd his letter last and also wrote one to Uncle John but I have received no letter from him since I have left home. I have received four or five letters from my father and its very cheering to hear from home when one is far away  but maggie your letters do move to cheer me up then any letters I receive from any one else though my Father tells me to keep my heart up and never give way to any kind of weakness and I think that I am just as cheerful as any one could well be under the circumstance  but Dear Maggie  I often think of you working in the mill with nothing to cheer you  but I hope to come home some time and I may be a while to cheer your spirits up some. I am sorry to say that we have received no pay yet and we are all out of money but we expect to get payed when we get to Fortress Monroe when I will be able to send you some and by the time that you are layed up if I am not at home you shall have the means of commfort at your command. Dear wife  though I write you a letter not to come to Washington to see me I am very glad that you did come for it don me good to see you and I often think that the time you was with me was the shortest 24 hours I ever spent in my life  maggie I often think of how much I love you and pray to God to spare me to return safe home to my wife where we can live together in happiness the remender of our days  and I hope that I will not be tempted to leave you again
this is all I have to send at present  Remember me kindly to Jane  Your Mother and all of the family and all inquiring friends  Your Billy is well  he wrote a letter home yesterday
So this is all  With my very best love for my Dear Wife

From Your Affectionate
Husband
William Lancaster

Wm Lancaster
care Capt Hartman Co F
Col Harlans Cavalry
Annapolis Md

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