Defense of City Point Va. "Fort Merriam"
	December 25th 1864  Christmas Day

My Dear Wife
	Just four short years ago tonight you and I solemnly plighted our faith to each other, for so long as we both should live - you my darling are now far, far away from me in our Northern home, and (surrounded by your little innocent babes,) I can fancy you teaching the evening prayer, or lulling the young head to sleep, with that sweetest of all songs a mother's lullaby - I was Officer of the Day yesterday, and of course was up most all night.  As morning was near dawning I made my usual rounds, to watch the tired sentinels, and see that all was right - Returning back to my quarters, how swiftly memory brought back the last Christmas Holiday and contrasted it with this - It seemed as if I could almost hear the Christmas Chimes - Strange Chimes we have we have here - Cracking Rifles, and booming Cannon, sometimes on the Picket line, bright clashing Saber strokes, ends the monotony.  I am coming home, God willing, and before long -
I have been very sick again, owing to a severe cold settling on my throat and lungs - I could not talk or swallow except with great difficulty -
Even now the Doctor wants me to go to the Hospital, but I won't go again if I can possibly do my duty properly here - My horse is partly to blame for my cold - I rode him down to the Hospital and the Point, coming back I stopped at the Sanitary Commission a moment, I tied "Black Ned" to a post, and I thought him all right -, but soon after I went in Mr. Ned slips off his bridle and takes French leave - When I came out to ride home, I had no horse, only a bridle - The night was pitch dark and the roads muddy _ I borrowed a Lantern and plodded home on foot, carrying the bridle - When I got home, no horse was there - So I laid down in my tent for an hour or so to wait and give him a chance to come home, but Mr. Ned kept away - So buckling on my saber, with my lantern in hand, away I went again down to the Hospital, and after hunting until Midnight I found the black rascal, snugly stowed away in a stable - He had been picked up by a guard, and put there - His feet had to travel coming home that night - . I had no bridle either -
Yesterday we had a fine drill, all by the Bugle calls - worked first rate 
Please ask Grandmother if she got the letter I sent her with some Secesh money in it?
Don't forget it Pet -
Love to all - Kiss the children for me
	Affect.
	Your own Husband,
		Samuel J. Bradlee
		Senior 1st Lt.
		14th Mass. Lt. Battery