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Washington Dec 10 1863 fifth day evening

My Dear Husband

  Here we are in the

contriband Camp as comfortable as can be--a rough boarded room, cleanly white washed-a good fire, good bed, three chairs table--washstand, two or three shelves with books, plants & nice large looking glass, a beautiful baby picture--all these with Gerogiana's kind welcom, with her room mate (Carrie Nichols) also very pleasant, makes our visit here very happy, we are pleased with the superior tendants Mr & Mrs Holt, also Mr Messer a kind of clerk, altogether things seem kindly and pleasantly managed, though of course much distinction is apparent am ong so many poor creatures just from under the hand of oppressors, their tales of cruelty is heart rendring, we have been today to Alexandria on the famed Potomac, by steam, I suppose we may report all quiet their, but their could be