Charles E. Reed to Caroline A. Reed, 11 April 1863
Headquarters of 148th N.Y.S.Vol
Camp Folger Norfolk Va Apr. 11 /63
 
Dear Sister
                        This is a beautiful day warm & clear. We have had pleasant weather all the week.
 
I have just read your letter real glad to hear from home. the money was all safe. I am getting over my cold, cough some yet. throat has got well. I thought I would write you to day for tomorrow I go on picket and monday I shant feel much like writing I have got some dried fruit left yet. Yesterday I sent down town and got a pound of butter paid 35 cents for it. It is good. You need not send me any more things until I write I am out. I went to Norfolk and the Fort last / Wednesday Saw Adams. he was quite unwell thought he was going to have the measles I expect he will be 2ond Lieut. before long.
 
We have had more excitement this week than we have before since we have been on this ground. Been expecting a rebel raid on us now for two nights. Every man was ordered to be ready to fall in line in two minutes after drum beat. Pickets were all doubled and advanced ones thrown out. Officers horses were all saddled ready to mount.
 
Last night we thought surely we would be attacked but morning found us here undisturbed by any rebels.
 
This morning company A & F started out with three days rations / they went down to the railroad and took the cars. I dont know where they have gone to. there were more on the cars in all about a Reg. and a half There are pickets stationed every mile on the railroad between here and Suffolk One of our boys saw Niel Goold last night down on the railroad. Some of our regiment went out and destroyed a bridge up west of here last night. If the rebs come in here I think they will meet with a pretty warm reception for we are on the watch for them. Mother need not worry any about me. I am glad we are having something to change the monotony of our life. I believe we can whip them at any rate the / 148th was never in better fighting order. Sam need not get discouraged about the war for they are going to get whipped after a while. I should not wonder if Charleston was ours to day. Couldn't we rejoice if we could celebrate the 2ond anniversary of the fall of Sumpter by its recovery. But I dont think we will be troubled here at all. The Sesesh in Norfolk are awful mad. Gen Viele has ordered all to stick a Union flag out of their store door or have their shops shut up It makes them squirm. I am glad Willie is getting along so well reading I hope he will learn his verse and let teaching go a little longer I want a paper that tells about the town meetings in. Got a letter from Henry Reed the other day
                       
Love to all
Got an Independent                
one day this week            
 
Your Brother                   
C. E. Reed
14499
DATABASE CONTENT
(14499)DL1926.039Letters1863-04-11

Tags: Battle of Fort Sumter, Duty, Family, Fighting, Food, Food Preservation, Illnesses, Mail, Money, Picket Duty, Reading, Religion, Weather

People - Records: 2

  • (5118) [writer] ~ Reed, Charles Edward
  • (5120) [recipient] ~ Reed, Caroline A.

Places - Records: 1

  • (262) [origination] ~ Norfolk, Virginia

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SOURCES

Charles E. Reed to Caroline A. Reed, 11 April 1863, DL1926.039, Nau Collection