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[Different handwriting on top]
No 234
Mailed at Jacksonville Apr 16
Recd Apr 26.

[Letter]
Jacksonville, Fla.
April 15, 1864

Dear Mother
Last Tuesday I was made happy in the reception of a good lot of letters from home. Beside one
or two others among the lot from home was one from you.

I am officer of the guard to day, consequently I'm now seated at a small table in the guard
quarters in full dress. Have to be on any such duty as this just before I seated myself to write the
officer of the day came to visit the guard. Of course had the guard [?] in line and present arms to
him in style.

I have written a letter to day to Capt. Hutchings. He is still at Hilton Head but expects very soon
to be ordered to Fortress Monroe. Have asked him to forward my express box, which will
probably arrive by the next steamer due Monday. Gilman is going to send boots, hat, and several
other articles which I need. Shall look with interest for the Dressing case-slippers from Emma,
etc. How sorry I was and am now that the box was lost which had the first D. case & other
valuable articles in it, Mrs. Thurstons shrub, etc. But, after all this loss I have been very
fortunate in getting my boxes, many I know have lost three or four.

I am almost ashamed that I have not written myself before this to Wm [William]Hyde thanking
him for the present (shoulder straps). I think I did send message to him in one of your letters or
fathers but I shall write at once to Wm.

This reminds me-Can you get me a small piece of dark blue velvet large enough for the ground
work to pair of straps? I want to have a pair covered [and] new velvet put in. The straps are as
large as those Wm sent. You can send by mail. I'm glad to hear that Wm is doing a good
business and is helping along his parents. When will he be married? Its about time.

I am always happy to hear from Grandpa & Ma. How I should love to see them both. Please to
give my best love to them.

How good it would seem to see Emma dressed in her purple Thibet". I should I know enjoy
those lovely days with you, but as you say-We will be patient and hope for the future.
The house must be improved very much by a new coat of paint.

Some one (I think it must have been Mr. Leavitt) sent me a Portland [Portland, Maine] paper
containing Neal Dows [Neal S. Dow] speesh [speech]. Was much interested.


Love to all









Your Affc. Son
C.M. Duren

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