Camp near Rappahannock Station

Monday Aug 24^th/63

 

Dear Father

                        I have some time to spare before going to bed and I thought I would improve it in writing to you. I have written twice since I received a letter from you but I suppose you are so busy that it is not convenient to write often.

 

We came in off of picket this forenoon Were out three days. We picket along the river. There is no enemy near but we keep up strong picket lines. The prospects of a move are not as good as they were a few days ago. I thought that we would move the 25^th or 26^th but I think it is postponed for the present. I hope so at least for I am not in condition to make long marches now. I was hurt a short time ago by while out riding by my horse falling / upon my ancle. It was quite sore for a few days and had got almost well but for the last two days it has been sore it is a little swollen now and aches considerable. I think it will be well in a few days if I do not have to walk upon it much.

 

We are getting our camp well shaded by bowers of pine. It is very comfortable now. It is still very warm but we have some very cool nights. The health of the men is not as good as it was some time ago. There are none dangerously ill. I have but one in hospital but there are several sick in quarters.

 

            We have received no recruits yet. Our division has more chance to be diminished than to be increased. There is to be a Cavalry (Regulars) Reg't to be made up from the old Reg'ts—by volunteers—Many of our men will go. It is to be for 3 yrs. $402 Bounty. The Reg't is to go to Texas and will probably remain / upon the Frontier. I would not stop much to go, if I could go as Captain. I would go if it was not for being compelled to be away from home so long. If I was to join the Regular Army I would go with the intention of being a soldier for life.

 

I have often thought very much about what I am to do when I am out of the army, what business or profession I am to follow, But, as of old, I can not make up my mind. I do not think it would pay for me to continue my study for I will have been so long without any thought upon books or study that it will be very hard, if not impossible for me to do any good at it. I always was too lazy to work; and I dont think that the Army has improved me much. All things considered it is hard for me to determine what I shall do. I have 8 months to think upon it & I want to try and make up my mind upon the / matter before I get home. If nothing happens me, I will have near $2000 when my term expires. If I understood something about dispensing medicines I would try the Drug business. I do not think it would take much to start such a one as Dr Sargents, and that would at least make a living for me. I would not trouble my self much about it, but go into the army if it was not that I expect to have another to care for some time. I would like to have your advice about the matter for I cannot determine for my self what to do, or to think of doing. Perhaps you can assist me some in coming to some determination.

 

I must quit it is bed time

 

Give my love to Mother and the Children

 

Your Affectionate Son

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