Camp of Division Sharp Shooters

Sat. Eve. July 9^th 1864           

 

Brother Samuel

                                    We are in the old place yet. The Regt has been in front for the last 48 hours, coming in to night I expect. I am kept busy drawing rations every day. I write sooner than I would but I want your advice about buying a target rifle. The Capt has tried to draw them from the Gov but it does not issue any target guns they are all private property. We have got to draw Sharps rifles or some other breech loading piece. The Capt would like all the boys to send for rifles Two or three have sent. What do not send will be supplied with Sharps or something similar

 

Now I want to know if it would not be an advantage to me to get one (a target gun). If we get Sharps or those who get them will have much skirmishing to do as they are peculiarly adapted to that on account of the rapidity with which they can be loaded and fired.

 

While if I get a target gun I will have none of that to do as they have to load them with ball just as you do at home. You see I would get clear of / skirmishing which is pretty dangerous business Sharp Shooters with a target gun are privileged class in the army. They are allowed to choose their gun positions where ever they choose. I would be out of all charges. I dont know what one would cost at any rate. I think I could sell it when I got through with it with less than 25 per cent loss

 

As long as we lay here I shall not have to go into the front. But if we should move the same as we did when we came here and go right into a fight I would have to go in with the Company for on such occasions they have five or six days rations ahead Write just what you think about it. If you think it best get John Reed to help you select one

 

Lefever of Canandaigua has the reputation making excellent guns See what the price of his globe sight runs and also of his telescopic guns I could keep considerable farther off with a telescope rifle. Perhaps the difference in the price would not warrant buying me one. I should want a full set of equipments with it, as powder flask &c the gunsmith would know the necessary articles

 

Write immediately what you and Mother think of it Perhaps Aunt Betsey might take up one of my notes so as you could get the money I am feeling first rate now health never better. The weather is not uncomfortable for this time of year If you do not think it best just write so—

                       

Love to all,

Your Brother

Cha^s E Reed

 

P. S. I want nothing than a globe sighted rifle, if I have any thing

 

I want one heavy enough to stand any kind of a wall not lighter than 18 pounds and as much heavier as you are amind to

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