Washington May 3^rd 1861

                       

Dear Ned!

                                                I was gratified in receiving your letter yesterday as all communications from the friends far away are very gratifying to us all it seems like a home breeze

 

            Camp or rather garrison life is somewhat dull & all of the few lawyers with us I verily believe would like the variety of Judge Sherman's court. The horses had no hard duty except the march from Annapolis to the Junction men are similarly well & we are to day getting settled in our new bunks & men will be comfortable

 

            As to what men will bring north I have this only to say that if your regiment is as well furnished as ours has been men will have to provide nothing for their comfort Officers having more liberty in carrying / baggage you had better put such things in your trunk as your own good judgment tells you is necessary for comfort such as any gentleman would need cutting off only superfluities—

 

The were yesterday mustered into service & are now quasi US Soldiers.

 

            I have just rec^d an order to report at Head Quarters & must leave. Remember me to Brown & B[?] & believe I remain Yours

                                                                                   

Van Slyck

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