Camp of 148^th N.Y.Vols.

White House Va. May 31^st

 

Brother Sam

                        You see we we have moved again. Frid towards night moved from our old camp behind the breastworks about two miles towards Bermuda. Sat night we started again with 4 days rations, crossed the Appomattox on a pontoon bridge arrived at City Point about 10 o'clock. Lay here till Sunday morning embarked on the Steamer Tom A Morgan bound for somewhere. We turned up here yesterday noon (Monday) we are now encamped here how long we stay I dont know. I hardly can tell how / many troops came along I hear from ten to fifteen thousand. Gen Smith is along. We brought along lots of axes and spades I think perhaps we are going to build a dock and fix the railroad so Grant's army can have his base here The last I heard from that army he was about to cross the South Anne. Yesterday P.M. we could hear heavy cannonading off in a westerly direction. It has been some time since I heard from home. have had no mail now for two or three days expect a letter when it comes. I see the Post & N.Y. Times go back on Butler. I think they are about right. He isn't fit to take  command of an army in the field. I believe if Smith or Gilmore had had command of the army south of the James it would have been far more successful with a much smaller loss.

 

Last thursday morning our Regt lost 3 killed and six or 8 wounded in a skirmish none out of Co "G". Two of our killed we had to leave in the hands of the enemy could not get them away

 

It is now nearly 7 oclock A.M. the troops here are all quiet how long we remain so I cant tell. It is a beautiful morning. Sheridans cavalry crossed the Pamunkey here on the R.R. bridge. I want you to be pretty prompt in writing letters for they / are very welcome in the field. I have got only a dollar and half left For about two weeks I lived on hard tack and raw pork. When we first came out the sutlers got along then of course I thought I would live a little better. They charge miserable high prices. All I buy is ginger cakes & crackers some times a little Bologna sausage. A fellow might as well live in the field for you know he is liable to quit any time. I dont know when we get our pay again. If you think it safe you might send me a little money for fear I get out.

 

Tell Willie he must be a good boy in school. Write often

 

Love to all.

Your Aff'ct Brother

C E Reed

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