Camp of Div. S. Shooters

Near Petersburg Va July 24^th /64

 

Sister Caroline

                        I rec^d Sams letter last night. He said there was a dollar enclosed but I guess he forgot to put it in for I could not find it and I am sure the letter had never been opened I had beefsteak and soft bread for breakfast this morning This afternoon I have got to draw rations. About the time you get home from church or getting dinner I will be at the commissaries. I see by Sam's letter the he did not get one I wrote him about a rifle. I wrote you in my / last also. I think I had better have one. This morning is pleasant & not very warm I would like to be at home & go to church with you this morning I have got my tent fixed up with boards a bunk made so I do not sleep on the ground now. Feel first rate. quite a number though of Co G sick the company is very small. We have 96 men now in this Company S.S. one was killed this last week shot through the head I have not been to the front since I came here.

 

I dont believe the Rebs can ever get us out of this place our works are just as strong / as theirs. I feel just as safe here as I did at Yorktown unless I happened to get hit by a chance shot. They come over occasionally and hit some one. I have not got postage stamps or a red cent now. I hear rumors of the paymaster but know nothing about him. I wish he would call around this way Nothing new going on here. I saw Gen Grant friday as I was coming from the commissaries the first time I have seen him since we have been with the Army of the Potomac

 

I read Willies letter first last night, was very glad to hear / from him. Did he write it all himself or did you help him some. Does he get the cows any this summer I should think he could carry letters to the office & get the mail. I cant think of any thing to write so guess I shall have to close for this time   Your Affectionate Bro

Charles

 

Monday Morn.

                        I forgot to mail my letter yesterday, so will write a little more. Last night it commenced to rain, rained hard all night. I slept well & dry all night Our Regt is in the trenches. They must have suffered last night. The weather changed this morning is cold. The men must be wet through and the water & mud must be about a foot deep there. They will have to stay till night when they will be relieved. This morning is foggy & cold To day I draw soft bread again.

 

[blue pencil: Trench fighting]

SOURCES