Winter Encampment, Warm Springs, VA

Warm Springs Jan 13th 1862

Dear Father and Mother,

Mr. Umburger is here and will start home to morrow I will write a few lines by him to let you know that I am well and very well please with our encampment If only we can remain here this winter and let the men revive it will be so much better for them when they start out in the spring. This is a splendid neighborhood they can get anything they want al most(.) You have no idea how things have improved since they have come here I here it rumored about that we will be ordered back to Petters Town (?), if such be the case I would rather go to ____ as to go back there. This winter we can do nothing if we go, before Spring so it would be better for us to stay here if we have to remain in this region I expect to leave for Richmond to night on business for the Regiment which I am very glad to take at present I have paid off my company after some trouble in getting charges I believe I have some fifty dollars yet coming to them which I will be able to pay when I return from Richmond The men like Col. Peters very much indeed. I think he will make a very good officer with practice He is a perfect gentleman in every respect. I think he would be as far from hurting any one feelings as any one I know of. I was in Wytheville a few days ago and was very sorry I could not come over and see you all but my time was very limited and I had a

good deal of money belong(ing) to the boys and I want to get rid of it as soon as possible for fear of some accident. I don't expect I can get to come home any more unless some of you get sick and write for me to come If you have an opportunity I wish that you would send me my wacth (watch) as I need it very much. I told Orval Noone to bring it but I didn't suppose he thought of it any more after I told him. I have quite a comfortable hut and live style and when you get tired of home come down and I will give you the best that Pulaski can afford Perry says he don't care about coming home ever more I suppose you have no objections to my keeping him if that is the case he don't want to leave me. Of course I don't want him to leave me. I have got rid of Nay Worth (a slave?) and I intent to ship one or two more and then I will have these I want Perry makes a good deal by washing and the men pay him up very promptly Tell Uncle Thom that I save 8 dollars for him from Bob Scott. It was all that I could get and I thought it was better to take that than nothing. I will send it by the first opportunity. Write to me and let me know how you all are.
Write soon.

Your Son,
Robert H. Gleaves

P.S. I will not go to Richmond for a few days. If you want anything brought let me know by mail.
RHG