Camp near Falmouth Va.

Feb. 28/63

 

My Dear Colonel,

                        Many thanks for the specimen of high art rec^d your letter of the 25^th to hand this evening. It seems very funny that all battle pictures are filled with gorgeous officers and elegantly dressed soldiers where one's experience is that the fighting is done by dirty, ragged, hungry wretches (officers not excepted). I am feeling very miserable tonight in consequence of the disgusting state of matters and things generally in "ours" The row Dr. A. kicked up has brought to knowledge that Capt. Col. Prescott Major T. and Capt. Bumpus have been about without leave and today Col. P. was put in arrest upon charges preferred by Col. Guiney who I understand rec^d his orders in the premises (he is in command of the brigade) Maj. Lt Col. S. and Capt. B. are hourly expecting the same fate and all three are in full anticipation of a perpetual leave and a chance for otium cum dignitate at home.

 

Dana I am sorry to say has been running upon chloroform and for the past three days while he should / have been acquainting himself with the wants of his command preparatory to the monthly drawing, has been chloroformised nearly all the time. To night his Lieutenant becoming alarmed about him and being unable to get the chloroform from him as he kept it in his hand reported it to Dr. Adams who took it from him by force.

 

These things take more back bone out of me than a dozen Fredericksburgs and make me feel as if the 32^d had seen its best days.

 

The Inspection Report to which you refer is well characterized by my learned friend the Captain's epistle to you commencing "Lay on &c" only substituting "Inspection Report" for "Roll of Honor". This report is undoubtedly due partly to the fact that Norton is not deeply versed in the Tactics but principally to the fact that he was out of whiskey. Alas that he should not have known until too late that inspecting Officers "want but little drink below but want that little strong". The Lt. Col. is writing you a detailed statement in regard to this "Report" so I will not trouble you with any thing further in regard to it.

 

With my respects to Mrs. Parker believe me

 

Yours truly,                 J. F. Hoyt. /

 

[endorsement]

 

Q^rMr. J F Hoyt

February 28 1863.

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