[blue pencil: 400 of Regt lost in 64 camp]

Near Petersburg Va—

Tuesday P.M. Aug 23^rd 1864

 

Dear Sister

                                    Just been to dinner had beans baked in a pot bread and tea. Thought I would answer your letter which came yesterday with one from Aunt Eliza. I think Mothers photograph is a first rate one. Aunt Eliza wrote of Aunt Polly's death also of Sarah Hickox death. She must have died very suddenly. Aunt Eliza did not write any particulars about it. We have had rain now most every day since last week Monday. Sunday there was quite a fight on the left near the Welden Road. We hold that now and the Rebels are trying to drive us off. They did not / make much. Our Chaplain was over that way. He saw 274 well prisoners we had taken besides nearly as many wounded ones

 

Last night an attack was expected here. Capt Cooley had orders to have his men out under arms at daylight this morning The Rebels were reported to be massing their troops on our front. Every thing has been quiet yet. There are no berries around here. The sutlers have apples and peaches to sell The peaches are nice large yellow ones they ask 25 cents for three. I have bought none yet.

 

The sun shines very warm this P.M. I guess it will rain again Aunt wrote me that William Wooly was married. I dont know as I wrote in my last that another of Co G / had was killed. He was shot through the head killed instantly. His name was John Horn. I had always been in the same tent with him when with the company. The Regt. has had nearly 400 killed & wounded since we started in the spring Lt Col Murray of the 148^th commands the Brigade now and the Regt is commanded by a Lt. now Last night I heard that we had 4 Lieuts disgracefully dismissed They have not been with the Regt during the campaign but have been dead beating it around some hospital. I hope it is so. Col Guion told the officers some time ago that if the officers could not stand by the Regt. he had non commissioned officers that would and he would have them.

 

I think our Orderly will stand a / chance for a commission now he deserves one for he has stood by the company through thick and thin. Lt. Paddock has gone to the Hospital. I got the seed you sent but am happy to say I am free from vermin now I think they get on the boys in the trenches. The mud is about half leg deep in the pits. still the boys have to stay there day and night. Northern folks dont know any thing about what the boys have to undergo here

 

I must close as I have got to to the commissaries after whisky They put quinine in the whisky now to prevent fever & ague

           

Love to all

                       

Your Affc't Bro.

Cha^s E Reed

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