Camp of 2^d Division Sharp Shooters

Near Petersburg Va. Thurs. P.M. July 27^th /64

 

Dear Sister

                        Feeling a little lonesome for want of something to do I thought I would commence a letter to you. I have got only one postage stamp, been saving that to write home I rec^d your letter written last Thursday. Tuesday morning also an Independent. glad to hear from home. This afternoon I have been to the commissaries. got soft bread and whiskey. I get whiskey every day and deal it out to the men. You need not be afraid of my indulging although I handle considerable every day. The weather is warm again not as warm as it was before when we had the hot spell.

 

Yesterday we had another man killed shot through the head. One wounded this forenoon will getting some boards down side of the river. I was down there one day and was fired at once. it came close enough / for comfort Every thing seem as quiet as usual but there seems to be rumors around camp or every one seems to think there will be something going on before long. I hear that the 2^d Corps moved somewhere a day or two ago and the men were ordered to take off their badges and if any of them were taken prisoners not to tell where they belonged. You will see that Gen Smith has left us and that Gen Ord fills his place. I'm most sorry, I liked Smith, believe him to be careful as possible of the lives of his men. He looks as if he drinked considerable, face bloated & red. I guess he dont get enough down in a fight so but that he knows what he is about. If Sam gets me a gun & brings it home I wish you would make a cover out of woolen cloth for it and if there is no wiper made get Tom to make a good hickory one. He might send it from Canandaigua. I suppose it will have to be directed the same as my letters though it might be put in care of Capt Jno Cooley of the 148^th I am feeling first rate. I saw a fellow by the name of Lee from Naples an acquaintance of / Walter & Louisa. He wished to be remembered to them. He has got Louisa's photograph, appears to be a fine fellow, belongs to the 4^th Heavy Artillery. I shall have to stop to deal out my bread as it is most supper time and the boys are hungry

 

Friday Morn. It is going to be very warm to day I have just made out my provision Return. The Commissary has moved down here close by us so I shall not have as much to do as I did I had a letter from Lefever & Ellis the gunsmiths in Canandaigua. He said they had two rifles on hand that would suit me. If Sam did not get one last week when he went out I wish he would get the one that shoots 55 balls to the lb. It dont make much difference which one though. His price is $45 with out the telescope $65 with telescope. I think I had rather have the rifle with telescope. Capt. Cooley says it will pay me a hundred percent. As long as he runs the company he says I shall have the post I have got. It is a good thing for me as it keeps me out of much danger. Still there may be times when I should have to go in. Then the / Rifle would come in play I dont believe I shall ever regret buying one. Perhaps Sam has already purchased. I hope he has one with telescope if not just as well. Sam might direct the box to me 2^d Division Sharp Shooters 18^th Army Corps Near Petersburg Va. Care of Capt Jno Cooley It dont make any difference which way. I will put in an 18^th Army Corps badge for Willie you can sew it on his jacket or apron It is one I made, not very perfect

 

I rec^d a dollar in your last letter. I cant buy any postage stamps here. Shall look for a letter from you Sunday Morning.

 

Considerable firing going on last night. Rumor here that the 2^d Corps crossed the James and took 6 pieces of Arty and 700 prisoners Hope it is so—

           

I cant think of any thing more

                       

Love to All

Your Affc't Brother

C E Reed

 

P.S. Mark the box

Target Rifle                                        

Handle Careful                 

 

Charles E Reed                 

Co. G. 148 Regt N.Y.S. Vols

2^ond Brigade 2^ond Division

18 Army Corps

Fort Monroe

Virginia

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