Foster, Joseph Milton, to parents, 12 March 1863

Foster, Joseph Milton, Private, Co. F, 37th Massachusetts Infantry, USA, to parents. Foster reports that his friends from Ware, MA, are doing well. He has been on picket detail, the troops have had an inspection and been paid, and Foster has sent $80 home by express. The box of food from home received recently has been "about plaid out." The troops have been playing ball, "and you know that I like that...but there is one kind of ball that I don't like to play and that is minny ball." He had photos taken and plans to send one with the letter to Mary. Foster also reports on an injury he received: "You wanted to know how my side was, it is good and stout but I don't think it is as good as it was before I was wounded and I don't expect it ever will be..."