South Caesars
camp
Shorncliff
May 20/16

My Dear Wife:

I was most agreeably surprised to receive 4 letters yesterday three from you and one from Ma. your last was dated April 23. Am very sorry the ribbons did not come in time for Easter, as I thought I would surprise you all. I hope you can use the dresses. you speak about the nice cards I sent, and I would like to know if they were silk I sent you all cards for Easter, Also silk ones before. I sent ma a card "to my Dear Mother" last night. All the boys say I am a post card fiend The tobacco arrived before the letter, I got the chocolates, you old dear, am keeping them until Sunday Evg when I will eat them in my lonely bed & my mind will go back home to you, wishing you were with me to enjoy them. They arrived in good shape. There is nothing else you can send, dear. I sent you a brooch, let me know if you got it. Never got a waist yet, but untl surprise you, dear, one of these days you ought to see me shopping. all girls working here, but I dont care, when I see something nice I go on and buy it, for I am [?] all the time. It is a pleasure to buy things for you and the Kids. Did Mr Sam get the card I sent him? The 67th are camped about 6 miles from here all the new draft are fed up & wish they were home again. Say dear old sweetheart, if you can spare the money, get a couple loads mill wood and leave outside for 6 weeks to dry out, so as you will have dry wood in the winter. I beat you, you old sweetheart, I go to church every Sunday. Well, you old dear good night & God Bless you

XXXX Your Loving Hubby

XXXX W.J Johnston
South Caesars Camp
Shorncliff