Mother I received your kind letter in due time

Company C, 106th Regt
N.Y.S. Vols
1st Brigade  ___ Div.  6th H.Q.
Mother

I received your kind letter in due time and am now about  to answer the same.  I had to go on picket Sunday so I did not write.  We are making every preparation for a move today.  They have sent most of the woolen blankets off to Alexandria but I did not send any.  I think of sending a box home.   If I can a soldier to take one to Washington for me.  Then all have to leave on a Tuesday.  General Grant is putting everything out of the way but fighting men and then I guess there will be something done.  You say you have not heard from John yet.  Well I have.  I had a letter from him more than a week ago and he said he had written to you first.  So I guess you have got the full proceedings on this.  He was ___ sick and he may but it cured him of his other sickness.  His health was good when he wrote to me.  You tell Mrs. Pickert that I should like an answer to that letter I wrote to her and Alonzo.  I have not had time to answer that note I received  enclosed in your letter about three weeks ago now but will do so soon.  I did answer it by mail and am looking for one myself now.  I am sorry about Austin’s cutting his hand now just as he is about to commence his spring work.  You must tell him to do the best he can now seeing we are all off to war.  I think he had better sow a good piece of flax for it is coming into use in the Army.  We have just hawn [hewn] new tents made of flax at least they are good linen.  I think people will _______ homemade clothes after this war.  I see that wool and cotton is very high in the markets.  I am pleased to hear the girls are trying to learn to spin and work up the flax.  I have not time to answer the girls letters tonight but will do so soon.  I had another letter from friend Wells a few days ago.  You will look for a box from me soon.  I shall send Austin another blanket for his horses.  I suppose Austin will have to hire some this season but encourage him to do the best he can, and I will send some money, all I can to help along with things at home.  I believe it upset Heather some when I left but made him worse when John left.  I must close this long letter and will write again Sunday.  I remain as ever, your son,

                                                                        D.W. Sunderland