Oct 31st 1861 [Thursday]. Washington, D.C.
Dear Father
I received your letter of 18th this morning.
The Laurel, Delaware news is news indeed for I never heard of it before. I think I had better correspond with some of the inhabitants of Laurel to tell me the news.
I think Uncle John’s boys might write to me. I wrote to them about ten days ago and haven’t received an answer yet. They might not have received it but if they haven’t they might write. I suppose they know where I’m stationed and if they are as interested in the War as you write, I think they would write to me and ask what they want to know about the looks of the Generals and the general appearance of the Army per se.
You write that you are gong to send Sis to Philadelphia to some school but you didn’t write what school it was.
I think I should be able to send one hundred dollars home next month. With this months pay, I have to get an overcoat, which will cost forty dollars, and a heavy suit of common uniform for everyday winter wear besides camp beds and other things.
We are all ready (the soldiers) to go into camp and I believe it is thought that we will get into camp in a few days but I cannot say positively anything about it. We may stay here a month or two or we may go into camp in a few days.
I had a little kind of an adventure a few days ago. I arrested an officer that was suspected of being a woman, carried him into the office and questioned him about where he came from etc. and after a while he confessed that he was a woman. I was then in hopes that she was some southern spy, but when she was examined there was nothing proven so it amounted to nothing.
I have nothing more to relate at present. Why don’t some of the families write? You have done it all so far. Sis is going to Crittenden and I think she might condescend to write sometime. But please write soon and let me know, if I’m wounded or killed any time (soon?).
Your affectionate son, W. J. Fisher
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