Camp of 148^th N.Y.S.Vols May 1^st 1864

Near Williamsburg, Va. Sunday Morn.

 

Dear Brother

                        I received your letter last night. I have written every week since I came back and know no reason why you have not rec'd them. Last week I wrote twice. I have heard the mail was stopped here for a time. if so I dont know when you will get this Troops have been coming in constantly for the last two weeks there must be a very large force here now I have heard it laid at 70,000. Most of the troops land on the Gloucester side of the river. Only three or four brigades of infantry on this. Most of the artillery lands on this side 

 

Two regt's of colored cavalry came up here yesterday. Gen Butler reviewed the troops that have come. All of Gilmores Corps are here at Gloucester. I dont know where Burnside has gone, think he will go up the south side of the James I see the newspapers keep very mum about the movements of troops. We have been doing picket duty for a week. I have been out twice, last sunday and friday. The line is our advanced picket. Two darkies came in one night. They said it was known in Richmond all about our troops landing here. I suppose they have got it very strongly fortified from Bottoms Bridge to Richmond I think we will take them in the flank though. our main force will go up the north side of York / river and cross on pontoons I believe Richmond will fall this time. I have just been to breakfast and had a smoke. Had a piece of boiled pork bread and butter and coffee. have an excellent appetite. It is raining pretty hard. we are curled up in our shelter tents. they shed the rain first rate. We have ours raised from the ground and have small poles for a floor, covered with pine boughs They make a very good bed. The officers have to come down to the shelter tents now. They ain't any better than privates in the field. I have written two or three times about my journey here, so will not again only say I came through all right got here on friday / saw Gen Grant at Fort Monroe. We drill three times a day. The boys all feel first rate, the most of them ready to start I guess. I dont dread the tramp at all. I sent my album home in Adams trunk you can call and get home it some time I sent my vest home with some things Sullivan sent. It is to be left at Franklins store. I do not need it this summer and it is to warm to march with it on. all I carry is one shirt drawers blanket and overcoat, portfolio and shelter tent. I have enough. the whole will not weigh more than 15 or 20 pounds I would like to see Fremont president but he will never get it Shall stand by old Abe yet. Got an Independent last night also a Post. I dont know when we leave here think we will this week

 

Write often. Love to all

Brother Charley

 

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Perhaps you will not get this till after troops leave here if they stop all mail at Fort Monroe

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