Camp of 148^th N.Y.Vols.

Sat Eve. Dec. 24^th 1864

 

            Dear Sister

                                    It is 9 oclock, not feeling sleepy and all quiet I thought I would write home. I expect a letter tomorrow morning thought I would have it answered before I get it. The first of the we had a heavy rain. It cleared off cold. Yesterday it thawed scarcely at all though sun shone brightly all day. To day has been beautiful. considerable warmer to night. To morrow is Christmas. Almeron Willard and Horace Sisson are coming over here. I suppose you do not approve of visiting sunday I should not at home. here we have few chances of seeing friends / I wish I had something good for them to eat. I have sold my rifle for $65. should have got more for it but something was the matter of the telescope. The glasses were not clear. Lefever says they were all right when he sent them. Have got my pay. I intended to send the money right home, except what I wanted to use. some of the boys are out of money and want to borrow. I let A. Duncan Paul our hospital steward have $35. He is perfectly good and danger of his getting shot. He has always been very kind to me. Jim Allen is going to try and get a furlough soon and he wants some to go home with. Last spring I got money of him when I went home. Guess I will wait till I get pay again and send it all at one / time. I wonder if you go to see the Christmas tree to night You should go and take Willie I never saw anything of the mince pies and other nice things sent to the soldiers. I told Jim Johnson he might have the violin for $6. Capt Griswold is dismissed from the service for being absent without leave, so Col Murray told me this week. He said he was going to give him a chance to return if he choose. Confidential He also told me to stay in command of the company and that if Capt. G— did not return he was going to jump Murray and Paddock of (our Lieuts) or as much as to say he would recommend me for a commission He said Paddock left the regiment against his protest and that / he said he should receive no further promotion if he could help it. Murray and Paddock have both influential friends at home which I think would overbear what ever influence the Col might have with Governor. You need not mention this to any one, for I shall not be disappointed if this is the last I ever hear from it. I had thought I would not write anything about it. The company books are in a bad state. he (Col) told me to straighten them out the best I could. I guess I will leave a little space for morning. I like my shirts well

 

Sunday 11 o'clock.

The mail has just come, a letter from Sam, also a paper, Un. League. The day is pleasant. Almeron and the boys have not come yet We are still on the north side of the James, only about ¾ of a mile from the lower pontoon bridge where the mail boat lands. The lines here are are something the shape of a horse shoe, both flanks resting near the river. /

 

Very quiet here. Part of the 8^th Corps have arrived. There is a rumor that we are to be sent to N. Carolina to help Butler I think there is no foundation to it. Such a story naturally rise from the fact of troops coming here. I believe the rebellion is about gone up and the next time Grant makes a strike here I guess he will have force enough to go through them. This morning I had a good wash all over got on new pants new drawers new jacket and clean shirt feel first rate. Sam wants to know what my daily duties / are. I have no picket duty to do or anything of that kind

 

Had to stop for dinner here, had boiled beans bread & butter. I bought a pound of butter for C—s but I must go on with my "duties"! At retreat or sundown I make out my morning report for the next day, carry to the Adj't. about the same time I get the number required from the Co. for guard and picket, make the detail The next morning at 8 oclock I see that they are on hand at guard mounting properly equipped &c.

 

At 10 oclock we have the sick call, when I send the names of those who are sick or require medicine to the Doctor. These are the regular duties of an orderly. I have considerable to do besides which a Captain would to do if we had one, such as making out descriptive lists for men detached Muster rolls &c.

           

Love to all

                       

Yours Affectionately

Charles

 

Merry Christmas to all

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