Yorktown Va Apr 19 /64

 

Brother Sam

                        I recd your letter last night after looking for it for three nights I should have written last night but was on guard I was glad to hear from you. I do not see why you have not heard from me. Have written twice. First letter the day I got back

 

We are having pretty lively times here. Troops coming in, by hundreds every now since last Saturday It begins to look like work I suppose we shall have to go along, though we have rumors every day that we are going to Fort / Monroe or Norfolk.

 

I dont dread staying though and going to help to take Richmond. This is going to be the greatest battle of the war and it will be an honor to be in it

 

Two more deserters were shot here last week our Regt was not out, so did not witness the execution We were paid off yesterday I shall not send any money home, as I have bought me another watch an American lever. My old watch was getting out of repair and the jeweller said it was a very poor watch. I thought I could dispose of it here better than any where else / so I sold it for a little less than I gave, bought this one. I have money enough left. It is a Waltham watch Appleton Tracy & Co. cost $35 dollars in N.Y. city besides express charges here. I saw Gen Grant at Fort Monroe

 

Am glad you have got something from Joel I would trade off the colt if I could She is going to be to large

 

How is the buck, does he look any better

 

Gilmores Corps are coming here some of them are already here now 

 

I heard today that W^m Smith formerly of Co 'C' 148^th and brother of James C Smith of Canandaigua died at Norfolk very suddenly this morning. He was Adjt of a colored Regt Have not learned the particulars

 

Love to all particularly to Willie

                                               

Your Brother

C E Reed

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