Fort Esperanza Texas

Feb 1^st /64

 

My dear Col

I wrote you a few lines a short time since which you must have received by this time and to which I shall expect an answer soon. Nothing new has happened since my last. Major Generals Ord & Dana & Brig Genl Ransom (the latter brother to Capt Ransom of Hamilton's Battery) were over here to review us they were much pleased and General Dana wrote a very handsome letter to Gov Smith. I presume it will be published you will then of course see it. Capt. Metcalf is doing finely he has a good Co. and he is a good Officer like the rest of the Metcalfs (excluding Henry) he is quiet Capt. Fry is about / the same as ever Lieut Briggs has been appointed Ordnance Officer he is a good officer Lieut Wheeler does well. I see in the papers that Capt Shaw has passed as Major & Viall as Lieut Col and hear they are to be promoted I do not like the idea of having Shaw jump me but suppose it is all for the best. I have a good command 560 aggregate larger than any Col in this Dept. And have also a good reputation so I feel confident that all will go well I would like very much to hear from the 3^d I can assure you Col I shall never loose my interest in that Regt. nor in its Commanding Officer. May you always do well. To you Col I owe my success in Military life and shall ever appreciate it. I see by the papers that Col Rogers / has resigned. What is the reason? Could he not have his own way. The Dept. of the South does not seem to do any more than this Dept. What are they doing on Morris Island? And how is it about Charleston. is Bailey still with you? & Ames. What is he doing? If I had known what was going on in the Regt. I should have remained until you returned and made an application for promotion which I think you would have given me. My whiskey & party times are over. I am now a commanding officer and feel the responsibility upon me I think my officers like me although I am strict. Now Col be sure and write me and if you would like to hear from one of your old Officers and one who thinks often of you I will write often. I fear I am in this Fort / for a long time but shall make an application to go to the Front as soon as there is any appearance of a move. Remember me to Brayton George & Henry Metcalf and all friends

                                                                                   

& Believe me to be

Truly Your friend

Joe J. Comstock, Jr

 

To

Col Edwin Metcalf

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