Camp 148^th N.Y.Vols

Near Richmond Va.

Wed. Eve. May 3^d 1865

 

Brother Samuel

                        At last I am back again to the Regiment, arrived in camp about noon Seems like getting home, after being away. I left Point of Rocks yesterday about 9 Oclock in the morning on the steamer "Hero of Jersey" bound direct for Richmond arriving there about 2 P.M. I found some of the boys who are on detached service in the city. Stayed with them till this morning.

 

Yesterday I looked around the city. It is a finer place than I anticipated.

 

Much of the business portion / as you already know was burned when the rebels left. I had no idea that so much was destroyed. The grounds around the capitol are splendid.

 

Washingtons monument is the finest thing I have seen. You would be surprised to see the number of rebel officers around. I think I saw more "gray backs" than "blue ones" The best of order prevails night and day.

 

The regiment is encamped about 2 miles from the city in a northerly direction on the Brooks Pike. Country fine. Our camp is situated in the door yard of one of the F.F.Vs. His house was burned by Kilpatrick when he came so near the city / a little more than a year ago. The grounds are all laid out with care. Shade trees scattered all around. I am feeling quite well now have not fully recovered my strength. The boys tell me I look pale yet and pretty thin. As I enjoy a good appetite I guess I shall soon look as usual.

 

Tomorrow I am going to work making out my returns and straightening things generally so when "Uncle Sam" gets ready to discharge us I shall be in readiness.

 

My towels have never come Socks all right, got a pair on. I dont know but I shall have to have some money sent. I am reduced to / $25. Paid $15 for board at the Hospital. To day I have paid $5 into the mess here. It will not cost me as much now as it has for a month back. If I thought we would not get discharged before Sept. I would have you send to Uncle Edward and have him send me a sack coat or blouse for summer wear. Should not want it lined. He would know what I wanted I cannot get any thing decent here short of $15 and that is to much. Will wait any way and see how things turn out I guess you had better send me ($5) five dollars any way in your next, for I dont know when I shall be paid and I dont want to get out of money, for when that stops why the grub stops

Weather fine. Write soon

 

Love to all.

Yours Affctly

Charles

 

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Found a letter from you and Caroline to day. Gen Foster Comd'gs our Div and Col Fairchild of the 89^th NY the Brig. Did you see about Gen Gibbon going to Washington with captured flags. The 148^th captured one of them

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