Camp Jackson Columbus

May 19 / 61

Dear Mother & Sisters,

I

received your letter from Mr. Swope and was glad to hear from you. I have not been very well since yesterday. I have a very bad cold but all have to have that. We get up in the morning at 5 o'clock when the Cannon fires then the roll is called then each mess goes to work getting breakfast. we have to do our own cooking and eat out of doors. For breakfast we have Pork beans & potatoes. and the same for the other

meals. to day we get fresh beef. we get no butter. At 10 o'clock our Company goes on guard. we are on duty two hours and then we are relieved for four hours, and so on for twenty four hours.

I went up town yesterday and found one of my old aquaintances. he is in a hat store. he mad me a present of a military cap a very nice one.

Day before yesterday the Penitentiary caught fire about four o'clock and there was about three or four hundred broke guard and went up town. That comfort was very acceptable as it is cold every night. these blankets are very thin

and it take three or four to keep you warm.

I have just been relieved from guard duty and am very tired. I got a letter from I. W. Reed to day. he told me you were all well and I am glad to hear it.

I believe there is nothing more this time. Remember me to all. and to Ann in particular and all the rest. Tell them all to write. Nothing more but remain affectionatily

O. D. Ladley.

P.S. I sent the night key by C. Wilson. I supose you got it.

O.D.L.