Monday Afternoon

Portsmouth Va. May 4^th 1863

 

            Brother Sam.

                                                No letter yet from home so I thought I would not wait any longer for one. I suppose that you are busy now with your springs work and you cant run to the P.O. every day now. I should think it was pretty late spring with you. Last spring at this time we had commenced plowing for corn. It is real warm here now. Yesterday I saw men out with their white pants on. To day it is warm looks showery sprinkles a little once in awhile. I was on duty for the time on Sunday since we have been in town so did not attend church. 

 

I suppose you know of Helen Pitts coming down here to Norfolk. She arrived last thursday I have not seen her, but one of our boys is guard on City of Hudson (Fortress Monroe boat) and saw her and had quite a talk with her. He found out who she was by her pass and her trunk. I was over thursday P.M. but could not find where she stopped. She is going to teach the little contrabands I found out that the school is to commence to day and where it is to be held so next time I go over I guess I will not have much trouble finding her. I like it here first rate yet. if it is only healthy here I had dont care how long we stay

 

They are fighting at Suffolk we have crossed the Nansemond / I suppose we have got from 60 to 80,000 troops there. Our last paper stated that Hooker had crossed the Rappahannock in four places and had been successful every where. I guess the he will give the rebs all they want, and then cutting away his pontoons leaves no hope for them of escaping by a retreat they have got to win or die. Sat & Sunday there were over 100 four horse and mule teams went through here from Fort Monroe to Suffolk. they are going to advance from there now too

 

The Government has got some splendid horses I wish I could pick out a team for you most all are driven with one line. I got an [?] Times from the office Sat. I guess that is as quick as you get them 

 

Tues. Morn. I have just got a letter from you. It is hot here to day I have got to hurry to get this in the office so it will go out to day I wrote last week what I wanted if you can get a box to send my things in it will be better for me for I shall have to lock it up to keep anything now the company are all together. Last night 3 of us went a fishing, so we had eels for breakfast, in a little while we can catch lots of fish here. I guess you will be glad when you get rid of the Phipps affairs. A good of trouble I should think I am going to join the Union League here have a meeting to night. if you can slip my chip hat in the box as well as not you may I can wear it off from duty Good news in the papers to day

                                                                       

Love to all

                                                                                   

Your Brother

C E Reed

SOURCES