Yorktown Va Jan. 31^st 1864

 

Dear Sister

                        I was on guard last night when one of the boys brought me your letter containing Martha's photograph. For more than a week until yesterday we have had beautiful weather It seemed like Indian summer and so warm that in the middle of the day it was quite refreshing to get in the shade. Evenings and mornings we built a little fire to take of the chill. Yesterday it was foggy and grew a little colder, and during the night it rained a little, just enough to lay the dust.

 

We have had quite exciting times here been expecting to go on a raid but I guess it will play out. On friday we drew shelter tents and on friday night at dress parade an order was read telling us what to carry. Officers were restricted to roll of blankets and change of under clothes Rank and file to one rubber blanket one / woolen blanket shelter tent and pair of socks. The baggage would be inspected and if any more was found it would be thrown away. It said the march would be rapid. I forgot to say that we were to carry sixty rounds of cartridges forty in cartridge box and twenty more about our person. I think we should have started yesterday but Gen Wistar who has been away returned friday night and I think stopped the concern. I think mother had better put off sending a box until we get settled again. Last week we practised target shooting. I believe if we go it will be towards Richmond. The boys are all ready and even anxious to start. I feel first rate and think I could march 30 miles a day without much trouble.

 

Almeron came down and staid all night with me thursday night. He is not coming home for the reason that he has not reenlisted They cannot reenlist for they have not been in long enough. (Troops have to be in service at least two years before they can enlist as veterans) / I believe they did reenlist in some way but it is not holding them unless their time should commence on the last three years the 1^st January 1864. Almeron says Niel Goold has got discharge sent in, so perhaps he will be home again soon. The 11^th Penn. Cav. and 1^st D.C. Cavalry are at Wmsburg now. Yesterday the 11^th brought in six prisoners which they caught at Gloucester C.H. one is a Capt. they were attending a dance.

 

Our recruits have not got along yet we expect them the 5^th.

 

I got my first Eve Post Monday morn it came sunday night. If it is cold when Mother sends the box I wish she would put in a little sausage. I like dried fruit and have sugar enough to sweeten it. You had not better a great deal in though for I have got some now and we may move and then I cant carry it. I want some paper and envelopes Make a mess of ginger snaps for I want some to give the boys. They give me things out of their boxes. Dont want any green apples Should like some mince pie / Wait till you hear from me again. I got a letter from Tom last week. The paper you sent has not got along yet, guess it will to day. Got a letter from Horace Gilbert friday night. When you send the box send a knife and fork. I am bothered to pieces here to get drawers large enough for me. I rip them all out the first time I put them on if Sam can find a pair of knit ones large enough for me I wish he would send them. I bought me a new cap yesterday paid $2.50 for it. I wore my old one since last April.

 

Evening           The mail has just come I got the Independent from home and another Post came. It is raining a little drops very fine. You need not send me any drawers as I hear the Colonel says he will have these small ones exchanged and get larger ones. I hardly know what to do about having the box come. Wait until you hear from again. I heard the Col. told the Gen. that his reg^t could get ready to march in half an hour after he had notice. If it comes on stormy we will not move any way. I am much obliged to Willie for the picture. I will write to Tom before long.

           

Love to all—

Yours Affectionately

Cha^s E. Reed

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