Fort Lyon VA.
Friday Nov 9, 1861

Dear Mother:
As I am hot doing much of anything I thought I would write you a few
lines.
I am not well to day as I have had a very bad cold and now have neuralgia in my right eye It is not very bad but it does not feel very comfortable.

Most of the Men have had to have a spree since payday. The officers are not expected. I went to Alexandria last Tuesday and had a good day for it.
I got a pair of boots and a number of other things that I needed.

I will not send home any money this time but will try to make up for it
next time.

There was quite a movement yesterday. There were four trains went loaded with soldiers and I think they were running them out tonight. They can go fifteen miles coward Fairfax. I don't know what they intend to do. They won't say any more about our going on the next fleet. I guess there is not much danger of it .

I have sent some papers and some letters without any stamps so I don't know whether you will get them or not, I mailed one the morning with a speech delivered by one of our men in England,

I think it is a good speech and I guess you will to.

I suppose by this time our folks have got the work all done and you have seen some colder weather than we have. It snowed here a little last Monday night. That is all the snow we have seen. Today it is so warm we are without a fire in the stove. If we could have Virginia weather in Michigan it would be a fine country.
There does not seem to be much trouble for the boats to run down the river now. I don't believe they have much of any force down here. It is about time to hear from some of the fleets that have gone out lately.

I can't think of any more to write this time so I will draw my letter
to a close. 

Give my love to all the folks.
Write as soon as you receive this
From
A.J. Juckett