1^st Reg'm't N.Y.V.

Novb 25. 1862

 

            Dear Father—

                                    I wrote to you a few days ago about the existing vacancies of Field Officers in my Reg'm't, with my reasons for delay in recommending persons to fill them—I have now just written a letter to Albany of which I inclose a copy. It is a hard and terrible thing to pass over Capt. Yeamans as brave a man as ever lived, but my conscience & duty both require it. They (all that is left of the original First) will construe it into my prejudice of the old Officers & men, but they will do me injustice. I am a great friend of Yeamans, and admire him more than any other officer of my command, but feel by reason of past experience, that I must sacrifice any selfish or friendly leaning for the general good. I have several vacancies, and if you know of any young friend who desires to serve his country and is capable of carrying a commission please let me have his name. / I am told by Gen'l Berry that the Corps, or Army will move within three days, and the decisive battle of the Campaign fought within a week. It is amusing to ride along the river at Falmouth, and see on the other side within a stones throw almost, the Rebel pickets, and forces. Our Sentinels converse quite pleasantly with them the usual interrogatory of secesh picket being "When are you coming over" and the representative of U.S. replies "Too soon for your health" We had a review of the Division yesterday, and my Reg'm't appeared splendidly. Gen'l Birney, who hates us, because he was outwitted in getting us consolidated with his friend Col. Hayman's Reg'm't, on the field saw us coming up and take position &c and in ignorance of the number of the Reg'm't remarked to his Aid—"That Reg'm't looks well, and does well too, it must be the 17^th Maine, they turn out so strong" &c His aid addressed happened to be one of my Lieuts, on his staff, and so when he had drawn the / prejudiced General out into more remarks of the same nature, he informed him that it was "The First New York". Poor Birney was the second time non-plussed. I drew a draft on your firm for $100. last Tuesday, as our Paymaster has not made his appearance yet, and I had to get some Sutler stores.

How about the White Street a/ct?

                                   

Write to me soon—

Yr. aff. son.

J. Fred. Pierson

 

I am writing on the ground, and half frozen—so excuse appearances.

 

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1862

Nov 25

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