Camp of Sharp Shooters

Near Chapin's Farm Va—

Thursday P.M. Nov 4^th 1864

 

Brother Sam

                        We have had two days rainy weather. This morning it cleared off and to day is pleasant with high wind. I rec^d a letter from Caroline tuesday, the one Willie carried to the office. It came through without a post mark and the stamp was not touched I am going to send it back on this. I am glad you have got done husking I rec^d 6 months pay. The way McCabe's brother sent home so much money, I suppose I rec^d two months installments of U.S. Bounty one of $40 & one $50 and six months pay.

 

I am not a Serg^t but have been acting all summer. The Chaplain directed the package.

 

I should have gone back to the Reg^t the other day I guess but night before last the Reg^t left I dont know where they have gone. They wanted me to come back and take command of the company I could have a Sergt's warrant as soon as I come back Mark Swift is in command and he dont know enough to make out a morning report

 

I have just been out to see a little fight, four fellows came along pretty drunk. One had the others all down / and was pounding them. The fellow that tents with me was the first one there. he commenced pulling him off when the fellow lit pitched in. him (my bunkey) (Long is name) Long knocked him down. He lay a spell there got up and pitched in again. he hit Long a clip on the jaw which set him on his haunches. Long hit him at the same time and over he went. They got up and pitched in. Long took him down and shut off his wind a little and got up. The chap didn't think he had enough yet for he got and lit into a boy by the name of Smith that is with us. Smith gave him a round The Prov. Mar. was with us by this time he had some of the guard there and they took them with orders to buck and gag them if they made any fuss. It was quite exciting. I dont know as this will be very interesting but is the first regular knock down I have seen in the army. I wrote for my boots about two weeks ago I am afraid you did not get the letter, for Caroline does not say any thing about it. I wrote to have them sent without the shirts for I needed the boots and had rather leave the shirts till we got in winter quarters, for I did not want to carry them. I only wanted a little butter and some notions that the I could eat up quick Long had a pair come in little over week from the time they started. I want my vest to / Direct them to 2^d Division Sharp Shooters 18^th A.C. I hope they are on the road for if I should go back to the regiment I dont know how I should get them Send them along as soon as you can.

 

I dont know but I wrote you that I got a comfort bag at the San. Com. in which was a letter I answered it. The lady is married name Mrs Frances Brinley, Tyngsborough, Mass. I have rec^d a paper the Boston Advertiser from Mr Brinley also a letter from Mrs. Brinley enclosed you will the letter. I am going to answer it. Charley Risden called on me last sunday It was he who called on me some time ago and could I was gone. We have got a log house built with a fireplace. Risden is coming again Sunday He gave me a [?] shirt

 

Must close. A friend is waiting to take my letter to the be mailed

                       

Love to all,                 

Your Bro                    

C E Reed

 

Tyngsborough

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