Near Petersburg Va June 28^th 1864

 

Dear Sister

                                    Yours of thursday came this morning I was very glad to hear from home The money came safely together with the rest you sent. We are staying in ravine a little back from the front. Came here last night from the front line of trenches where we had been sojourning for 48 hours Got back here at midnight.

 

About 3 o'clock we were called up every man get ready to move at a moments notice. That is about the way we rest nights We did not move though.

 

Things have not changed any here since I last wrote you / A little to the left of where we lay we have got some mortars in position. It is a splendid sight to see them work in the night They do splendid execution to setting the shells right in the rebel trenches. It has been dreadful warm. It would almost suffocate a person in the trenches with only a thin piece of shelter tent to keep the sun off. Some are becoming sick and going to the rear almost every day Last night we had a slight shower and it is considerable cooler to day. I should like to eat some of your strawberries I had beef soup for dinner it was good. some ginger cakes I bought this morning to. There / is a sutler close by.

 

Write the particulars about Lieut Adams death I have heard none yet. I got an Independent to day. You dont know any thing about the obstacles of war at home. I presume some are grumbling because Petersburg is not taken. If they were here they could see for themselves

 

If we do not accomplish something this summer there will be a reaction this fall at the election. This state of things cant always last. I hope the rebs will get whipped in Georgia I confess that I am disappointed in the Va campaign so far, although I think the army has been handled with great / skill. But the Rebs have every thing their own way but get them out of their holes to fight if we could I think they would soon be whipped. I believe the only way is to cut their R.Roads and starve them I should think Sam would be for selling his wheat now I suppose you have seen that soldiers wages have been increased from the first of May I get $18 per month Write often our mail comes very regular now.

 

My love to Willie & all the rest. I want Sam to write how the sheep sheared

           

Ever your Aff'ct Bro

C E Reed

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