Near Petersburg Va    

July 20^th 1864

 

Dear Sister Martha

                        You always tell me to write soon, and so I do, though I have nothing very particular to write about. I have nothing to read and nothing to do and for a last resort I have taken to writing a letter to pass away this afternoon. I wrote last time that we were very busy. since then we have been busy nights and laid still days for our work has been so near the rebs. The last two nights I have slept and feel quite fresh today 

 

I think the lines are strengthened all along now. whether it is the commencement of a siege or not I cannot tell. There is continual firing along some parts of the line. today there is more than usual.

 

The rebels use morters and the shells look very pretty in in the night, but the idea of them dropping down side of you and busting is not so pleasant If you are in a rifle pit a common shell cannot hurt you but these things drop right down on you. It is quite a sight to see the bomb proofs and and places to sleep in the soldiers have made. In the first place there was a common ditch or rifle pit then it was widened so the men could lay down / and now in a good many places it is covered over with logs and earth so the men sleep way underground There has been an immense quantity of dirt shoveled over. I expect I shall be out tonight but I do not know yet.

 

            We have moved camp since I wrote before about four miles towards the right. we are now in the woods among tall pine trees. Water is more plenty I enjoy the luxury of a good wash every day. Our rations are better. today for dinner we had boiled turnip potatoes and pork.

 

I wish Father would send me five dollars the next time, in greenbacks. I want to get some stationary &c and do not / know as I shall be paid again. there is five months due us now. I heard from Capt Wiley today by way of our commissary sergeant. he is at City Point It is quite warm It rained yesterday the first time to do any good for a long while. I expect it looks nice after this rain where there is no army, but here every thing is spoiled by so many men

 

good bye         Jerome

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