Camp Dennison Jan. 28, 1862
My Dear Elisabeth
It is with pleasure that I am now seated to write to you in reply to your letter of the 26th which I received today and was glad to hear from you but cannot tell you how it grieved me to learn how you suffered there all alone but hope you may have good health hereafter. I am very glad to learn that the that the children are well and that Lillie was so good when you was sick. A week ago I got a blouse and took off my jacket and I took an awful cold but it is getting better. My wrist is almost well so that I can ride again with it and my side does not hurt me any more.
It is very warm here. We have not had an inch of snow since we have been here. Last night it rained and today it is very muddy. We drilled today and we were nearly covered with mud though it is not deep and it is sandy and it rubs off easy, I would rather clean two dirty horse here than one at Camp Worcester as that is like wax towards this.
This evening some of the boys are playing cards, some checkers, some singing some swearing, some telling stories, some writing letters and so on. You would wonder how one could write at all with such confusion.
You wanted to know whether we have been paid off yet. We have not, but expect it every day as the Captain said that the paymaster came from Cincinnati Sunday evening and is in camp now but we don't know whether to believe it or not and the talk is still that we will be disbanded but it is no certainty yet; we got our sabers last Monday evening but I did not exercise much yet as my wrist was lame but when we will get our pistols and carbines we do not know. Henry's arm is not well yet where he fell on it by his horse falling and besides he is troubled with boils so that he can't ride. David Silence has thrown his crutches away and his leg is almost well. Last Sunday one of Co. D's boys run his horse to water and was thrown and almost killed but he was better today. Yesterday another got kicked on the kneepan and he will be a cripple for life. Just now Ed Niver upset the ink bottle on this sheet and makes it look bad but I guess you can read it.
Jan 29th. This morning it is raining and it rained almost all night. I cannot describe this camp to anything but a large city. In the morning, the News Boys come along bring[ing] morning papers, Cincinnati Morning paper all about the battle, women coming along crying pies, apples, and cakes, teams going to and fro six mule teams drawing wood, hay, corn, oats and everything you could think.
We will not leave here short of three weeks if we leave at all. Brigadier General Wade told some of our officers that he would do all he could to keep this Reg. so I think it is to be disbanded
You need not send me any money, as I have got some yet (about five shillings) but send Wilcox word that you are out and that you must have some and when I stand in need I will let you know. If we get our pay, I want to go to the city if I can get a pass and if I get pay for two months I will send you some.
Riding on drill yesterday makes my wrist feel quite lame this morning. There are about ten daily trains running through this camp.
When you get letters from our friends let me know about them. I wrote to Samuel, requested of him to write to you. When you write[,] direct Camp Denison Com. I. 34d Reg. O. V. C. in care of Capt. Gaylord.
(Now to Lillie) You must be a good girl and mind Ma and be good to little Mary and Alphy and Pa will always like you. Pa was glad when Ma said that you was a good girl. Pa is far from home but he will come home sometime.
I must close this and go take care of my horse as he is most covered with mud and I must try and wash some of my dirty clothes today and darn my stockings, so no more at present but remain your true and beloved Husband,
George Kryder, in hopes this may find you all well. Try and keep in good spirits as I expect to be home before long but may fail. So good bye and write soon as it gives me pleasure to hear from you and it only takes a little time and paper. Kiss Lillie and Mary for me.
