Winchester Va
                                                                                February 8th 1865

Dear Sister

I received your welcome favor of the 3rd inst last evening.
Quite a sensation was created here on Monday by the capture of the celebrated Baltimore renegade Harry Gilmore, who was taken near Moorefield in a house a few hundred yards from his camp of guerrillas.  His horse, presented, I understand, by the ladies of Baltimore, has been turned over to his captor, Major Young by Genl Sheridan.
The Michigan Brigade of Cavalry had a ball last night, which turned out to be a miserable affair, although patronized by General Sheridan and the other General Officers.  These army balls disgust New Yorkers and this will probably be the last attempt of the season.  I was wise enough to remain in camp and thus escaped being "sold.'
A heavy fall of snow occurred yesterday and last night and it is now knee deep.  Everything is unusually dull and the "blues" seem destined to seize us all.
Yours gloomily,
Gus