Fort Ethan Allen [Arlington, Virginia]
Sept 24 1862

Dear Father

I am hear in
Camp yet and as well as
usual. wee have about 6
hours drill in a day and
are learning very fast. we
have a very Pretty Camp
ground right on a top
of a hill. we are within
about [3?]5 Miles of Harper[s]
Ferry we expect to mov[e]
soon. we have had
very pleasant wether
since we have been out
here. I have just come
in from Polise duty
that is From Chopping
[page 2]
that is wood so that
Cavalry cant get up
to us. we Chop the stump
f[r]om 3 to 4 feet high and
dont Chop them Clear of[f]
Our liveing is better than
I expected we have Beef
stake 2 a week and soft
Bread, and Beans, and
Tea and Coffee and hard
Bread. the most troble I
find is that their is to much
to spend Money for But
I haint been very Bad yet
I have spent about 8 dollars
and lent Sam Hicks
5.00 and I want you to
send me 5.00 dollars
as quick as you get this
letter. Edgar is all well
and hearty he is on guard
[page 3]
tell Uncle Augustus
that I am gont to write
to him next time it is
hard work to write hear
their is no chance. But
I will try to wite to you
as often as every other
Sunday has william [1] gone
into camp yet. or has he
started for the seat of
war, tell him to not
expect to see as hard
times as folks tell for
their to home Because
it aint no such of a
thing. give my love to
all Ella and Abbie [2]
Daniel and wife and
the whole of the folks
and remember me we
dont expect to go
into any engagment
[page 4]
yet, their are driving
the Rebels [??] every
Battle that they have
had sinse I have been
out here
Please direct
to Edwin A Lane
40 Regt Mass. V
Co H
Washington
D. C.
From your
son
E A Lane