Camp near Falmouth Va.

May 24^th 1863

 

Dear Father

                        For some reason your letter did not come through as soon as they usually do, but I was very glad to get it when it did come. We have been very busy the last week fixing our camp for hot weather. Most of the men last winter, when it was cold weather dug down two or three feet so as to make more room and to make a fire place. we had to take down all our old huts and pitch our tents on new ground / The tents are all pitched in order and there is a shade before each row of tents. the shade is a frame of poles covered with cedar boughs. we have now a very pretty and cool camp. every thing is kept clean and it is the best camp I have seen. Head Quarters moved off into the woods a few days ago. It has been very hot weather now for a week or two

 

I went to the 15^th Regiment a few days ago to see Henry Carpenter and the other fellows that I know. I found them all well. Carpenter came back to my camp with me he expects to get a furlough I applied for a furlough after I got your letter and if they continue to give them I think I shall get one / They are given for merit and I may get one some time this summer. If I do get one I shall have a good time and if I do not get one I shall not be much disappointed as I had made up my mind not to apply. The piece from the Boston Journal that came in your letter was written by Coolidge. There is a better piece in the Traveller of the 11^th written by one of this company. It is most time for our mail to go and I must finish this so as to send it. there is not much for me to write. we drill every morning from half past six to half past seven and have dress parade in the evening. It is hot weather and nothing looks like a move

 

regiments are leaveing every day / and as for me I cannot see much hope for the North in this war. If there is any change here I will write

 

Your Son         Jerome

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