Elbridge Gerry Manning, Jr., class of 1861

tainly can live on $100 a month and that will enable you to slap $25 a month into a bank and when one gets money then they can let it stay until they get into a hard place. Am very sorry to hear that Frank has done so poorly. I had heard of it through other sources. The more I see of the world the more I am satisfied that loose women and liquor will finish any man in time. I sincerely trust that you avoid, as you were doing when I last saw you, the use of all intoxicating drinks, and avoid women. Of course you find a good deal of temptation and I hope you visit it as manfully as you formerly did. Tom White is here rooming with Robinson, and is looking quite badly. I am afraid that it will go hard with him unless he is extremely

careful of himself. Tom told me that he thought you was improving which news were very acceptable to me. I suppose Tom is here to get something, and I hope that he may succeed. I hear from {Gorcias?} every now and then. He has married very happily I learn. What a pity that you and I cannot do the same. I am afraid that it will be some years before I follow his example. If you see Masters let me hear of him. Have heard that Beyer is {illegible} and expected as much of him. In regard to the Gen Order that you mention it transfers the enlisted men of the 36" to the 35th "vice versa". My officers are still of the 36th but we will have the men of the 35th. It is, as

you remark, a very extraordinary order. The reduction is now certain. No one here yet knows exactly what the bill is, but we are cut down in the Infantry from 45 to 25 regiments, and as promotion is dead for four or five years at the least. If the Cavalry is not reduced I shall apply this week for a transfer, and may get although it is doubtful. I am expecting my orders this afternoon, and shall then ask a months delay which I expect to get. Am not certain whether I shall go to Omaha or Austin. The former I hope, although I shall have the great pleasure of seeing you if I go to the latter. I am heartily sick, and tired of Washington and want to get out. I asked to be relieved ten days ago, but General Meyer then refused to let me go, but today I expecte I shall know. Anywhere besides

here. I heard from Smiley about a fortnight ago, and from Gastain at the same time. both are well and neither I think have any babies yet, at least neither mentioned any. I have not had time to spistolize Frambley, but instead doing so while at home. I am anticipatingi a nice time while at home and shall be very much cut up if I do not get my delay. Home however I am going - delay or no delay. I want you to set down and spin me off a good long letter as soon as you receive this, then day after day wll not pass with an unanswered letter from me hanging over you & (suiting?) your conscience. I have not had any come-

8 valise as knapsacks are played out with me and I want to put on more style now. If we got to Washington I will get my picture taken and send you. I have received a letter from Mrs Newcomb and one from and one from Leila and Charlie will write me as soon as he is able. Enclosed please findi Mrs Newcomb's letter that you can read and then keep for me. I think I have got somoe very good friends at home and none that really think more of me than Mrs Newcomb, except you my dearest Father and Mother. Tell Frank I am very glad to get so many papers from him & Sam and the General send in to inquire if I have got any late papers from home and likes to read them very well indeed. Send me some