1863 April 3                        

 

First Inftry April 3^d 1863

Camp near Potomac Creek Va.

 

Your two letters of the 21^st & 30^th ulto. are before me and the date of the first admonishes me of my neglect in writing. I am glad the sketch caricaturing the New Law proved welcome, and was appreciated, for I thought it a very good thing. Capt. Horton the author and "executioner" is again in my employ and I hope to inclose herein the second number of the "series" id est if he can complete it in time. I will first speak of my future prospects. I saw Gen'l Hooker, and had a long and pleasant interview. He asked after my Father, and was informed that his health was good, and his confidence fully given to Maj Gen'l Joe Hooker. Fighting Joe is somewhat susceptible to flattery and pleased with praise—both of which weapons I handled delicately in my conversation. He approved of my plan viz to re-organize the Reg'm't and again take the field—and assured me of his co-operation and influence in effecting my purpose. He knew nothing of what would probably be done as regards the two years Reg'm'ts, but said he would write to the War Department about it and particularly mention my name—Our time is up on the 23^d Inst. And yet I have heard, and can hear nothing of the plan to be adopted towards us, by the Government. I suppose at the last moment something will be / done. Up to a week ago all orders indicated a movement in a short time. Pack mules were given to each Reg'm't and camp equipage reduced, and we momentarily anticipated the receipt of orders that would set in motion the grandly expensive machine called The Potomac Army—the effectiveness of which is proportionate to the number of Orphans and Widows made—but the orders did not come.

 

Other orders did however, and on Wednesday last (day before yesterday) the Brigade was directed to proceed near Belle Plain, or Potomac Creek and establish a new camp, to do it regularly and substantially, building log cabins and works of a like local stability. Yesterday morning at an early hour—or a little before the first domestic gassingly and slovenly descends the stairs of a city dwelling to make the fire—the whole brigade was wending its way across't the country in one long line like a huge black snake, to take possession of its new ground. All day yesterday and to-day an incessant noise of chopping and crying has assailed the ear, and still goes on. My men are so possessed with the idea of soon returning home that they manifest an unwillingness and indifference to engage heartily in the Log Cabin business. Nevertheless I dont expect to have any other camp beat mine, and so have been particularly busy in planning, staking, directing and scolding.

 

You have hardly an idea of the immense / amount of work &c requisite to satisfactorily lay out an encampment—kitchens, guard houses, stables, hospitals, offices, houses all are to be erected and with but little time and fewer axes. To be a good soldier, one must be a fair architect, a geometrician and a doctor—to select, plan, and execute.

 

You ask for the meaning of all this: I really dont know, unless report speaks true in saying that the 3^d Corps are to be held in Reserve and to guard the Potomac Creek Bridge.

 

I am building myself a fine house, with all the latest camp improvements, including a corner artistically made and sacredly reserved as the receptacle of a cask of ale, now on its way to be disposed of. When it arrives, should there be enough left in it, I shall drink your good health. You mention my getting upon Hooker's staff. I have thought of it several times, and yet have taken no steps to accomplish that purpose. Hookers Asst. Adjt. Gen'l only ranks as Lt. Col. and it might be difficult to secure my rank. Did I choose to take an inferior rank I have no doubt of my ability to secure a place if I desired it. I do not think it would be politic however to do so. Excelsior is my mottoe.

 

Now about the Steeple chase, the idea of which has been so distasteful to you. It was to have come off Friday of last week and all preparations / were made accordingly. Just as I was about to throw myself upon my buffalo robe Thursday night, I said to Major Yeamans in the next tent "Well Major, to-morrow will be a holiday and an exciting one too" As I said the last word the clatter of horses hoofs was heard outside and an orderly brought me an order to have my Reg'm't go out on picket at 8 A.M. on the morrow—Alas for the uncertainty of military events and human hopes! The Brigade was ordered off, and yet the sports went on. I was obliged to withdraw my cattle, as an englishman would express it—and instead of riding over fences, was obliged to ride past pickets. Your love note from isic Tharp has much amused me. How delicately he speaks of filthy lucre, and how nobly he admits having none of it himself. I had a long letter from Billy Wallace yesterday, the poor fellow seems very much disappointed, and yet persistent. I had previously seen the article in the Times respecting Birney—the Brigadier—for his peace of mind. I trust he is in blissful ignorance of it. Spring is very tardy here, up to today the weather has been cold, wintry, and blustering, quite as bad as it could be north. Is Charley still in New York? And Frank? I have drawn a dft. on your firm for $75. to pay present bills, and not having been paid by U.S. since Oct 31^st last year. I hope you can do something with my accounts. I have lost about $40. in interest in them. When you next write to Henry give to him

 

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my love, and tell him to send to me some cigars if he can get the genuine article there cheaper than it sells North—

                                                                       

will write soon again

                                                                                   

Love to all

Yours Aff.

Fred.

SOURCES