Newberne June 3^d 1863

 

To His Excellency Gov. Andrew,

                       

Dear Sir,

                                    I hasten to fulfil my promise made to you upon the eve of my departure from Boston. I arrived here in safety and good health yesterday after a rather rough passage of 68 hours from New York where we were unnecessarily detained by the U.S. Qr.Master two days. I find the General's health first rate both bodily and mental. He is very sanguine, although he anticipates every danger from the reduction of our forces here next month, and regrets deeply, that this department was deprived of the manual as well as moral assistance of the 54^th Mass.

 

            He has already between six and seven hundred men in camp and two companies are acquainted with the manual and loading & firing. He is about to make a requisition today for 800 muskets as good as are to be obtained in the department. He has will have his Officers posted in every principal town recruiting and has been materially & cordially assisted by Gen. Foster and his officers in this great and noble work. 

 

            He has redeemed the site for his camp from an almost impenetrable jungle of stunted pine growth and old stumps on the right river bank about two miles below the city in a truly airy and healthy location with a fine sandy beach for bathing. It occupies about three acres upon the summit of gentle slope a low bluff commanding a pleasant view of the Trent and Neuse rivers for miles and presents as neat and regular an appearance as its neighbor the 45^th Mass.

 

            The improvements and system here manifested are mainly owing to the energy and perseverance of Col Beecher who will prove as my brother anticipated a valuable officer. I have visited the camp twice

                                                                       

with gratitude and respect I remain yours to command Lieut. Walter H. Wild

 

I am well and so in haste that I must make this rough copy serve for a better one                                                                                           

Walter—

 

(They will report [?] to camp tomorrow)

 

[upside down]

 

John A. Thompson     Newberne N.Car.

            formerly of Worcester Mass.

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