University of Virginia Library

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I am aware that I have neglected you very much indeed.
But I know that you will not think hard of me when you hear my excuse.
I have so much to attend to that I have not the time to do
any thing & moreover on Saturday it is almost impossible to write
as my room is all the time crowded full of the Cadets making all
kind of noise & then I have to go to drill & a roll call every
minute. Now you have my excuse & I know that you will forgive me.
The times over here are so dull that I can find nothing to write at
least that tend to entertain you. On my arrival I did not get a
putting through though every other Plebe did. Eugene was twisted
very much & had his extensive beard shaved off. By the Bye I wish
if you see Billy Gilmer you will tell him that the report which he
heard about Gennie & I was not so. He says that the report was that
we had come back home with half of our head shaved after the manner
of Goliath of Gath. You would be surprised to see how hard Eugene
is studying, if he stops or makes a noise I have only to use the
two magic letters D. B. & he will become as gentle as a Lady of twenty
five who is in want of a husband. But to change the subject I
want you to let me know when you saw B. Sha. & also when you see him
next I wish you w'ld tell him not to forget to pay me that visit
which he promised. I do not think that I ought to write to you after
your writing to know whether you might call me Dear John. I should
like to know what you would call me but that. I was so mad when I
read that letter that if I could have got my hands on you I most assuredly
would have been the death of you. You must not think hard of
me if I do not answer all of your letters immediately. I must now
conclude as it is time for dinner roll call. Write soon [OMITTED]
& untill then I remain your
devoted friend