Dec 27, 1861
Camp Michigan, VA 

Dear Father and Mother

I received your letter tonight and will answer it right away. If you are glad to hear from me as I am from you, you will be disappointed if a letter does not come in time.

We have not left here yet and don't know when we will. We have good evidence that there is something up for our colonel has been gone nearly all the time for the last two weeks.

You must excuse my poor writing for I don't feel very well today. Christmas I washed three shirts, three pair of drawers and some socks. you see I have enough of them. We have Just drawn some nice frockcoats with brass buttons and blue cord on the collar and cuffs.
Today I drew a new blanket to replace the one I lost on picket so you see we do not suffer for clothes.

As for food we have plenty for the kind it is, there are no fixings. We expect to get our pay soon. They are now making up the payroll. You may look for some money this time.

I went to Christmas dinner. Some of us boys went out and bought a turkey and had a woman cook it and furnish the other things to go with it. We had turkey, rib potatoes, cabbage, apple sauce, cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, hoe cake, and white bread, After we finished she brought on an apple pie and milk. You should have seen us go to it I could hardly move the rest of the afternoon.

There is little danger of me falling asleep on my post as one has to fight to keep warm.
When I was sick I did not go to the hospital.

I don't know of anything that I want you to send me for I can buy things here cheaper than to have you send them to me. if there is any thing I need I will write. Excuse this poor letter and I will try to do better next time,
Write soon as you receive this.

Your affectionate Son
A.J. Juckett