Head Quarters 2^d R.I. Vols. Before Fredericksburg, Va

Monday May 18^th 1863.                

    

My Dear Colonel

celebrate my 27^th Birthday than by writing to you

we had a Grand Review of

Com^dg the Corps. Fifteen

Reg^ts paraded at the time

play. We are once more permanently settled in camp & the

at the various Head Quarters indicate anything but an early

I doubt if we leave here before Sept

since & Hooker, I under-

stand says he shall lose 30,000 men by expiration of terms of service, & if after

two trials [faded] we now that our force

has diminished [faded] We had a lively little campaign

of eleven [faded] took part in two Battles & in that of Sa-

lem Heights [faded] heavily as you have doubtless seen by the

papers. The campaign helped me much for of course I well understood that the Reg^t [faded] upon me as our first fight together & I didn't mean to come out alive if the Reg^t didn't do well. The Reg^t greatly distinguished itself & will now follow me I believe not only cheerfully but even enthusiastically wherever I may lead them. When I went home sick the small malcontent clique thought they had worried me out of the Regt as they meant to for I never heard of their finding fault with my knowledge or com[torn] didn't dare to try any bolder figuring. They said I would never [torn], but they didn't know their man & that only cured me all the [torn] so as to belie their miserable supposition. Back I went & the [torn] pretty well hushed, & this last campaign has made smooth water / smoother than a mill pond. Of course I have one or two enemies but no more than every Colonel has, the bitterest & the only really bitter one is [faded] who last night could not appear on Dress Parade from the effects of liquor [faded] will get into something more serious than a reprimand if he isn't pretty steady about the amount of [faded] a fellow of that ballast? [faded] I have an harmonious Field & Staff [faded] & Col was ousted unceremoniously by Sprague & in his place [faded] Capt named S. B. H. Read, a very smart fellow, & for Major H. C. Jenckes, both nice & capable. There was some kicking against Jenckes as he was only a 1^st Lieut, but I couldn't have a better Major, though he is not altogether an [?] on drill, but he is quick & smart. Everybody says the 2^d couldn't have fought better than it did the 3^d so you see it can't have suffered at any hands. I enjoyed your letter hugely. Why not favor me oftener with a sight of your hand writing? When I got to the Big General part of your letter I laughed right out & thinks I as I read it, the Col must have an attack of the blues indeed if that is his cue. I can see no reason why you dont stand as good a chance as ever for a star. I am a very young Colonel yet & I could make little head way before spring from my junior rank. I fancy I have not much military ambition left for to speak seriously the height of my ambition is to serve through this war with honor & perhaps distinction, then go home to my sweet little wife, lay off my uniform & settle down to housekeeping & the house Rollin Mathewson lives in is even now offered me by my father in law if I will only come home & occupy it. I think for a man just 27 who came out a [torn] already wears eagles, that more rank is of small account. I think [torn] some merry devil like Brayton round you to keep you in good spirits [torn] whom you could associate & advise with, it would help your case. I [torn] / make an effort to get him if I were you, if you have no place for him, make one. You know he was always a favorite of mine. He would make you a devoted officer & whatever you trust with him he will do well, & he will get the [faded] in a week. If there is a sight [faded] you should have someone who could feel round a little. he is smarter than [faded] lightning. You cant shove him up too fast. I think he would more than take my place when you get to knowing him as well as I do. [faded] I thank you, not an Artillery Reg^t for me. The time was when I think my highest ambition was to command the Third but now things are smooth I prefer an out & out Infantry Reg^t & then you know exactly what you are & the Third is one thing or the other as circumstance or [faded] dictate. I am entirely satisfied where I am for I have no [faded] not nearly as many enemies in the 2^d as [faded]. I was at home election week & the week after & I went to call [faded] Smith & talk over with him my ideas of [faded] which are the same as yours & I found him all [faded] I shall be disappointed indeed if he does not adhere to the ideas I brought away from my interview with him. I am sorry for Mason I always liked the fellow's good nature & appreciated his drill. The other ducks I know little of. I am glad you have commenced a crusade against the whisky champions. I cant see on what foundation Shaw's & Strahan's hopes of promotion are founded. They will find that Smith is not the fool they suppose him if they think he is going to promote them. I think your Charleston Expedition a mis- [torn] & I suspected that the Iron Clads were in feeble hands for I [torn] an admirer of Dupont as I think he ought to have known [torn] Skull Creek when he took Hilton Head & ought to have cut [torn] retreat of that garrison, as I see no reason why he couldn't [torn] /

How is Stickney now? Has the mystery about his wife cleared yet? I cant believe she was a whore though I have heard some very unflattering remarks about her ladyship from Providence. If she should prove to be a strumpet he ought to be dismissed the service. There seems  to be a thick veil of mystery around that woman.

 

Tuesday, May 19. This morning they stuck me as Gen^l Officer of the Day on a three days [faded] duty, so here I am out in the wilds of Virginia with a big Picket force under me. Of all desolated countries this State of Virginia is about the most used up. There is a good deal of talk feeling particularly among the Cavalry about the late doings over the river. no one is satisfied. How do you find your Field Officers? Can Frieze drill the Reg^t with ease yet, & how do Day & Bailey take hold? Are they any companions or advisers for you, or do they pull in with the Line Officers & only do more harm than good? I am impressed with the difference between the South Carolina & Virginia nigger. The Virginia is twice as intelligent & educated as the South Carolina; indeed they seem to be a higher race. Remember me to Brayton, Gorton, George, Turner & all inquiring friends including the Field Officers. I see that Churchill is Capt [torn]. I was glad to see it. Who takes E?

                                                                                   

Your sincere friend

H Rogers Jun

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