Page: [1] Camp Marion Nov. [November] 6th 1861 . Dear Sister Callie -- This cold blustery night -- which almost carries away my old tent -- reminds me that I am every night drawing comfort from your very acceptable present (the long blue socks) without ever having found the time to thank you for them. -- You will think it strange that in the dull routine of camp life -- I should not find many leisure hours -- when it would be a luxury to open my heart to loved ones far away. -- Yet. I assure you that from early morn [morning] -- till late at night every moment of my time is occupied -- I seldom eat Page: [2] my soldier's fare of bread & meat without being interrupted by some call for businefs [business] connected with my command -- I write to Marion every night -- but to do this I am most frequently found at midnight in the pleasing task -- Dear Callie -- I have no news to write -- I think & talk of nothing here but speculations about the war & the daily alarms about the enemy below us in this Peninsula -- The latter would not amuse you & the former would not instruct you -- The destination & fate of the Fleet -- lately sailed from Old Point -- keeps us in sad suspense -- It will be terrible [unclear text: bonds] for Georgians and Alabamians Page: [3] to have to stay here defending a Country for people the majority of whom are barely loyal -- & a large portion of whom are miserable Tories -- when the news comes that the Invaders [Invader's] feet are triumphantly treading the [deleted text: [illegible text] ] soil of our own States -- The truth is -- I cannot & I will not do it -- If Georgia is invaded -- I shall manage in some way to meet the scoundrels there -- You have later news from Athens than I can give you -- God has been so good to me in granting improved health to my loved ones -- Can I ever be grateful enough? The boys with me are Page: [4] all well -- The Artillery company I think I shall get soon & then I shall have [unclear text: Willy] -- Miller -- Charley -- Ed -- & Frank -- besides Joe Gerdine -- These with my own kin make up much more than a corporal's Guard -- God blefs [bless] you -- Callie & your dear boys -- When you write to Porter give him my love -- Give the same to Aunt Serena & my relatives & all friends -- A line from you will always cheer Your affect. [Affectionate] Bro [Brother] [Signed] Thos. [Thomas] R.R. Cobb