Well I am glad of it that they have drafted a lot of them

cowardly fellows & I wish that they would draft three times as many

more of them. We have been out & run ourselves nearly to death & I think

that it is time that they turn out & relieve us. But there is no

danger of their doing it only as they are drafted for they are to big

cowards to go only as they are forced to. But they may have to come

out yet & see how they like soldering. I don't think that I shall

go to the regiment this winter for I don't gain strength very fast

& they won't send me off till I get well & if you want to see my you

will have to come & see me, for I can't go home no more than I could

if I lived in England. They will keep a man here till he dries

up & blows away & then they will send guards after him. But it is no use then

or they have got their discharge for good then & the

doctors has no more control over them. Well if they want to keep

me here when I can't do anything let them do it. They will have to

pay me whether I do anything or not & I can stand it as

long as Uncle Sam can I reckon. Thomas Vaughn is still

here on detailed duty in No 3 Hospital. Well there is nothing

more that I can think of so I will close for the present. Hoping to hear

from you soon. This from you affectionate husband,

William Strieby

To Mary E. Strieby, Good bye.