Camp of 148^th N.Y.Vols.

Near Deep Bottom Va.

Friday Eve. Dec. 9^th 1864

 

            Brother Samuel—

                                    I received a letter from you yesterday it came to the S.S. first. I was glad to hear from home again.

 

Last night the weather changed and to day has been quite cold. To night it hails a little. You see that the Regt has moved again We have got out of Fort Burnham and I hope never will get back again That was the worse place on the whole line, should there be a battle. Wood and water are to far away and no chance to build winter quarters. We are now 3 or 4 miles to the right not a great ways from the James. Are right in the edge of the woods where we get plenty of fuel and stuff to build with I have been to work to day building shall try to get into it tomorrow. We broke camp at the Fort Sunday night and moved about a mile to the rear where we bivouacked for the night. Came here monday morning. Tuesday about midnight we had orders to be / ready to march at 5 Oclock with 2 days cooked rations and 60 rounds of ammunition. We were up and ready to start, but fortunately the command march never came and we are still here. I hope they will let us stay here the rest of the winter unless they will let us move farther to rear. I suppose you have seen that the 18^th and 10^th Corps are defunct. They are consolidated and form the 24^th A.C. I understand we are in the 4^th Brig. 1^st Div. 24^th A.C. I have not seen the order yet so you may direct my letters as you have done

 

The niggers are all together and form the 25^th A.C. Maj Gen Weitzel commands it.

 

I have not received my warrant yet, but the Col. clerk told me yesterday that he had one made out for me as 1^st Sergeant and that I would get it just as soon as official notice of Orderly Housel's death was received I am now reported as Sergeant in the reports. Get along first rate with company. They all like me Unbeknown to me they sent in a request to have me appointed Orderly. Every man present signed. The Col looked it over and said "unanimous" I guess the boys have been through enough to know who is the best man I will see to it tomorrow Of course I cant get it until we receive official notice of Charley's death.

The duty here is quite easy. They have not commenced giving furloughs yet. I should not try for one before Feb or March and then it will depend on circumstances. It is only 9 months longer any way I guess I can stand it. But if there is a chance I shall try I dont know when I shall send for my shirts I want them to last my time out. Am feeling first rate, slept pretty cold last night but after I get my shanty done expect to keep warm. I have heard that two Dr's were sent away from here to cooperate with Sherman The niggers relieved us in the Fort. Write often

           

Love to all                  

Yours Affectionately

Charles.

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