Camp 32^d Mass Vols

April 18^th 1864

 

Dear Col.

                        My bother writes me that you called at my Father's store to inquire what had become of me and that reminds me that I should have written you long since Every thing is dull in this vicinity and as I keep very quiet in camp I have no news of consequence to tell you. The Regt is in fair condition and will probably make a good report when the campaign commences although I do not place much reliance on the conscripts; they seen to be uneasy and improve every opportunity to desert. most of them went into the service for the bounty and having got through the winter seem inclined to leave before the fighting commences Will we ever succeed in putting / down this rebellion if the people who are most interested will not come out here but send in their places such men as have been furnished called the "scum of all nations"? They are worse than the Hessians of the Revolution

 

We had three men sent us last week who cannot speak a word of English they are worse than your friend B[?]

 

I have been acting on a Court Martial and have had a number of cases from the 9^th in which I got an insight into the history of the Cass and Anti-Cass factions. Capt Calway was before the Court for drunkenness and there was some tall swearing I can assure you

 

The Anti-Cass party swore he was as "drunk as a lord" and the Cass party that he was as "sober as a deacon" There will be some fun when the Regt returns home and plenty of black eyes

 

            Warren has left us as you probably have heard I am very sorry because / he was improving very fast and will make a first rate officer I wish I could get detailed on some duty away from the Regt because I am disgusted with P and besides I dread the exposure on account of my wound which troubles me considerably

 

I am troubled with bleeding and yesterday bled so much that I am a little alarmed The Dr. says it is caused by small pieces of diseased bone which are working their way out  and which cut the membrane of the nose.

 

I am sorry I did not resign last fall if I am to be troubled in this way all the time but I will not try to leave the service just as the campaign is commencing after laying idle all winter

 

What is to be done this April? have you found out. I am afraid Grant will get whipped if he is not careful. If he intends to whip / Lee he has got to do some harder fighting than he ever did yet or else he must have an overwhelming force he has go no Pemberton to deal with in Virginia                                               

 

Yours

Stephenson

 

[endorsement]

 

Lieu. Col. Stephenson

April 13. 1864

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