[blue pencil: Commission]

Camp 148^th N.Y.Vols            

In the field Va Mar. 6^th 1865

 

            Dear Brother.

                                    I received your letter to day glad to hear from home again. a letter from home is worth more than all the rest I receive. We are having a little pleasant weather now. Last week we had rain about half of the time. The mud is drying fast now. Quite a good many troops have left this side of the river We may be left here to guard these lines I hope so, for I had rather hold our lines than butt against theirs. Some of the Mt. Rifles have gone away on transports and I dont know but all.

 

I was mustered to day, had to muster for three years. The mustering officer said he thought there would be no trouble in getting a discharge when the Reg^ts time was out for / the organization would then be broken up. I did not really like the idea but thought I would muster and if I was not mustered out with the Regt would offer my resignation soon after I do not propose to spend much over three years in the army if it is a good cause unless I can get some soft thing like Commissary of Subsistence &c. You must not depend to much on my coming home in Sept for something may turn up But if I live I shall come if possible.

 

There are a half dozen or more officers in the Regiment mustered in the same way so you see I am not alone. Mother need not worry at all about it for I am bound to get out this year any way.

 

I have been up to Paul's tent to night and they have cut off my Sergt's stripes and put some shoulder / straps on. Beats all what a difference they do make, every body so pleased to see him or speak to him. The same persons when I wore corporal's stripes would never see me. I never felt very bad over it and dont know but I feel about the same now as then. I can get my now on my final statements it will be over two hundred dollars. Have bought me a sword for ($25) Twenty-five dollars. My whole rig will cost me about $120 so I shall have over $100 left to subsist on. My board will cost me from $0.75 to $1.00 per day I think. I dont mean to be extravagant in the board line but propose to have what I want if I can get it

 

I have lived on hard tack long enough I mustered in Co. "I" and belong to that company now although I shall stay in "G" and have command the same I get $10 extra a month for commanding / a Company. I think I can save $500 this year shall try to any way.

 

I dont know as you can make much working the farm this year and paying the prices that are asked but I should rather have the work go on. Next year I shall probably be home and I calculate to work if I feel as I do now. Then with one hired man we can drive business. I believe I am tougher than I was when I left home, take a little while to work in though. I hope you will not be drafted at any rate till I come home then I will come in your place I am used to it and can stand roughing it through

           

You dont write very often

 

My love to all

Your Affc't Bro

Charles E Reed

 

Put a handle to my name if you choose to now. It is about ten oclock am going to bed

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