Camp at Minors Hill Va

Monday March 30^th

           

My Dear Father

                                    I have written to Elsie since I returned to camp. told her all about my trip and therefore it is unnecessary to say anything of it now. I had to go on picket the next day after I got back, fortunately I only had to stay out 24 hours. I have been "on duty" every other day since I came back We have only had six officers for duty and it took three every day. I am Brig officer of the day to day and have to be up until about 2 oclock so I thought I would write to pass away the time until 11 oclock, when I must visit each camp. there are five and they are scattered so that it makes about two miles walk to go around.

 

            I was pleased this evening to receive my commission as Captain. it is a notch higher than I expected to get when I left home with the Company as a private

 

see 3^rd page 

I then made up my mind that if I lived that I would be a Lieut, before I came home although at the time the Company was organized—if you remember—I refused to be a candidate for Lieut. At that time I thought that it would be more honorable to go as a private. I had not the slightest ambition. In fact I did not have confidence enough in myself to think I would make an officer.

 

The first time I was on duty as an officer I felt confused and awkward and entirely out of place However I soon got over that and began to look higher. I still have hopes that I may yet be a field officer.

 

            We will have easy times now all the vacancies have been filled except for 2^nd Lieut of this Co It gives 25 officers to do the duty that has been done by six. I do not know what will be done in reference to the appointment of 2^nd Lt. The Gov. has withheld the appointment until Rileys case is investigated. I cannot tell how he will succeed.

 

I have felt very lonesome since I came back to camp having been in company so much while at home and I do not feel quite as well contented as I did before I was home /

 

Well this is decidedly the most awkward thing I ever done. I did not know I was on the wrong page until I got to the bottom of it. But it wont do to throw this away. Please excuse the blunder.

 

I had an awful time on picket last saturday. It rained almost the whole day. My line was over a mile long and I was completely soaked before I got around. I did not have as good a place to stop as I have had heretofore.

 

            Our men have not been paid yet and I cannot do anything in reference to that matter of which Mrs Vanlier spoke. As soon as the men are paid I will attend to it.

 

            The health of the Company still continues to be good. I must close. Give my love to Mother & the children

                                                           

I am

Your affc't Son

JSWinans

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