South Groton July 24^th/61

           

Friend John

                                    I in common with others expected to see the 6^th home ere this, it was generally supposed that they would be here the latter part of last week, but this mornings paper says that you voted to stay ten days longer at the request of Genl. Banks—wobly to, to a man. I have not much to tell you in the way of affairs at this point, the news of the great battle usurping all home matters

           

The first accounts of the battle were greatly exagerated, according to the first accounts we lost every thing men, batteries, army wagons, supplies for troops & horses; a regular stampede but later accounts are much brighter every way. You can hardly imagine what an excitement evry battle or even small skirmish creates, almost as much as where it takes place. The rush for newspapers immediately after a battle or anything startling is some and he is lucky who can get a paper unless he is a regular subscriber and sometimes they miss as I have found to my disapointment once or twice 

 

The Lowell Band for the 6^th regiment went thro here several days since and no doubt you have seen them ere this. The train from Lowell arrives here about 30 minutes before the other trains and some members of the band amused themselves and some of the boys by trying to shoot frogs in the pond with their revolvers. from the manner in which they shot I should not want to run the risk of being shot at by them at a short distance at least, dont know how far they will carry. Nourse Mason & Co or O Ames & Son are putting the army wagons thro, they send away about ten a day M. W. Woods and Co are also at work on their contract. they are also making a large lot of harnesses in the brewery building

           

The great question of who shall be post master at Groton Junc. for the next four years or more is not yet decided, H A Wood being PM now

                       

You might mention for the benifit of R Livermore that I saw Martha at the Depot this morning looking as blooming as a rose. Arrangements are being made to give the 6^th Reg a public reception in Lowell, and also by this town to receive Co B. a dinner and other things / are down on the programe. a committee is chosen to escort the Co from Lowell or to meet them there. I have suggested as one of the committee the name of Saml Reed as I hear that some of Co B are anxious to see him. think he is not down as one of the Committee tho.

                       

Cap^t Kings Co has gone into camp at Cambridge. his co numbers about 90 men now. the Regt. to which he belongs the (16^th) is nearly full.

                       

It gives the friends of the sixth Reg (and who are not their friends) (except rebels) great pleasure to find so unanimous a vote by the regiment to stay when asked to do so by Genl Banks.

                       

Our home infant-ry is rapidly filling up the Breast Works are being rapidly manned. Mrs Stuart has a daughter and Mrs Tuttle a son I think.

                       

If you find it convenient write unless you return immediately. my Love to all the Boys

                                               

Ever your Friend

C. E. Morrison

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