Camp 50^th N.Y.V.I.

Jan 6^th 1865.

 

Dear Ones.

                        It rains. it comes on our roof pitter patter thicker and faster. While many very many are exposed to all its fury. While we are this time comfortable housed. Eaven now I hear the drum tap tap for a squad of men to drill by. Stragelers who have been sentanced by a Court Martial to drill eight hours yesterday and to day and to carry their knapsacks with a blanket and 20 lbs of sand in them (Rough) but about half past one o'clock I saw a sight / tougher than that viz. a man shot for deserting He belonged to the third division of the Second Corps The place of execution was only about half a mile from our camp. I had been out with a detail of men after wood and on returning to camp from the woods the road led us near a body of troops drawn up and our enquiring minds led us to investigate the proceedings. So witnessed the execution. Thare were one or two others executed in this part of the army to day Last Friday thare were several hung. One of our Sergts brought in a man to day who deserted us / last Spring soon after joining the Co. When arrested he belonged to the 82^nd Penn Regt & it is rumored that he has jumped three or four bounties. I wouldent like to stand in his shoes.

 

Gud. & Corp Semans (our other tent mate) did not get in until some time after the rain set in and tharefore got some what wet. They were on a big detail we have of two Sergt^s four Corps and 50 men to build a house for Col Duane (Chief Engr) at Gen Meads Hd. Qrs the house is to be of logs hewed on one side and 13½ by 28 ft. 

 

Evening. After roll call. A list of promotions was read off at roll call. F. D. Wright, Corp—along with others promoted of whom you probably do not know or care. JJ Frank feels about as I do. he will not thank the Capt. for recommending him for promotion thare by drawing him away from a good position back into the Co. Corp Semans at his own request was reduced to a private. He used to be in the Commisary department and had a good thing, and hopes he may get it back but I think it rather doubtfull. I had some idea of sending in my resignation but hardly thought it would be excepted.

 

            I was on guard yesterday & was picked out to be camp orderly for the Col and a few others. Officers with

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