Chapins Farm Va—
Friday Oct 7th 1864
Dear Sister
We are still here where we were when I wrote last This morning I got a pass to go back to camp signed by the Div. Prov. Marshall and got clear to the pontoon bridge where found that it had to be signed by the Corps Prov. Mar, so I had to turn around and come back I shall try it again this P.M. Coming back all sorts of rumors were afloat There has been a heavy fight on the extreme right this morning and we heard that the Rebels had turned our flank. The road was full of stragglers I think perhaps we may have met with a reverse, but nothing very serious It is now quiet except an occasional shell. We have no tents or clothes with us except what we have on. I rather think / after we get fortifyed we will return to our old camp again
We lay in the Fort a few days. One night the Rebs made it very unpleasant for us by throwing mortar shells in
Here I am back to camp. After dinner I went to the Corps Prov Mar. and got my passed signed As I was coming past the San. Com. I thought I would stop and see if I could not get a shirt the one I had on was all worn out and my pants were worse. I knew I looked as bad as I could, so I went in and asked. Who should I find but Charlie Risden. I did not know him He recognized me invited me to take dinner with him. Of course I gladly accepted. when I came away he gave me a shirt and pair of drawers. He invited / me to come down and see him I shall tomorrow A.M. before I return across the river tomorrow P.M. I was very glad to see him he being the first one I have seen from the north that I knew since I left home in March I think the 18th Corps will return to this side of the river for they have not moved any of the camp equipage over yet. I hope we will. I stopped at the Corps Hd. Qrs. to see if there had any express boxes come. An officer told me that there had were a number of express boxes at Bermuda Hundred for the 18th A.C. but they would be left there till the Corps got settled again Mine might have come there a week ago, as there has been boxes brought up since this movement commenced. I had just as leave it would be there / at present. I begin to want my boots quite badly dont need the shirt as much now I have one given me. I guess I will wait until we get settled a little before I have them sent I want Mother to put a few fried cakes in the box they will keep or any thing else that will keep Dont send any thing till you hear from me again
I expect a letter every day I got a letter last week with a dollar never got Sams letter he sent from Can.
Give my love to Willie
I signed the pay rolls yesterday so expect to get some money pretty soon. I have had two papers with tomatoes in this week. also the suspenders They were just in time for mine had given out entirely
Love to all
Your affct Bro
Chas. E. Reed
Sat Morn cold. This P.M. I return across the river, am going up to see Risden W[?] was wounded in the leg the other day flesh wound.