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[Different handwriting on top]
promotion
No 229. Mailed at Port Royal Apr 2
Recd Apr 9

[Letter]
Jacksonville, Fla.
March 26, [18]64

Dear Father
Tis late but must write a line merely to tell you that today two letters came in the mail
from you dates 10th-11th 248 & 249. Letters 232-233 & 234 were all received in due
time. Altho I know I am not a very good boy to write, etc., still I do love yours and
Mother's letters.

I received to day letter from Free [Freeman] 9th inst [and] was glad to hear direct from
him. Tis so long since he has written to me. Shall answer at once. He is decided about
going out of the service. Well, I don't blame him as I know of [sic] think I would if I was
he and in his position.

Major Appleton has just this moment left our tent. He came, what do you think for?
Brought to me and placed into my hand my Commission as 1st Lieut. [Lieutenant] 54th
M.V., at same time taking my hand with a word of congratulation upon my promotion,
etc. Well, so it is. I've nothing to say. Tell William Hyde that his Straps need a bar sooner
than he or I expected.

But you say where is your Pay, etc? Tis all very well to receive all these straps, bars, and
soon but without the Pay you can not well support them. It is about so, but nothing can
be done until Capt. Bell 24th returns. Then the green backs will come in in a pile.

I have got along so far without borrowing but little, still tis not pleasant to keep things so
unsettled (all the fault of Capt. Bell.)

I must bid you good night for it is late.

Love to all
Your Affc.Son
C.M. Duren
1st Lieut. 54th M.V.

[Different Handwriting on back]


[Illegible]
Recd 209th 240-
247-









250 to 260

Transcribed by Nicole J. Milano, University of Florida, 2008.