I dont know as you can read part of this the ink is so pale

 

Camp Folger  

Portsmouth Va Jan 2^ond/63

 

            Dear Brother

                                    I have just got your letter and having nothing to do day I thought I would answer it now

 

We are having such pleasant weather as you never saw in York State this time of year—have had no mud here, never have

 

Yesterday was on guard around camp. the next day never have any thing to do.

 

There was quite an excitement in Norfolk yesterday 3000 niggers met on the fair grounds they wanted to know whether they were going to be free Yesterday Mrs Viele invited all the commissioned officers / down to take dinner with her. But the Gen. sent them all home before dark and issued an order commanding all officers and soldiers caught there after 10 Oclock to be locked up. They rather expected trouble from the niggers or from the secesh. all the soldiers were withdrawn from Portsmouth to Norfolk but every thing went off quiet.

 

The boys are getting acquainted around some and during the holidays have been off to parties around in the vicinity. Last night the Col. detailed Com. G. to go and hunt up some of the absentees. The first time they got 19 at one house next time 10, five of which were from / our tent. they were marched up to the Col's tent and he talked first rate to them He is very popular with the boys, they said he talked like a father to them He told the boys that we had a good position and could keep as long as they behaved themselves.

 

He said some rushed into battle recklessly and like enough went home without an arm or leg &c. but for his part he had as lief go home sound as any other way but he said if we ever did get in battle we would try and do our duty He is rough but he grows more and more popular every day

 

I wish you could see a fellow here to day. he has got a / barrel with the middle part of the head knocked out on over his head. on the barrel is a piece of paper with the word liar printed on in large letters. he has to march from one end of the street to the other all of the time He has been caught lying a number of times. it is the first punishment of the kind we have had in the Reg have had no rows in the Reg and we are noted for our good behavior. I hope I shall hear Mother is better next time you write you can send me money Rochester Bank. I wrote to Tom yesterday I wish you would buy me a pocket diary with an Almanac in for 1863 get me one about six inches long. I will put in this ring for Tom I made it to day the copper in it is a piece of the Reb Merrimac. The wood is laurel root

           

Write soon Love to all,

C E Reed

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