New Carrolton La. Sept. 4^th, 1863.

 

My Dearest Sister:

                                    I have not written you since our arrival here which has been one day over a week and I seat myself with for the purpose with not the best of feelings, and for the reason that I cannot now get a furlough. I wrote out my leave of absence and followed it up to head quarters where I saw Col. Scales and stated my case to him. He referred me to Genl. Washburn who now commands our corps and has power to grant "Leaves of Absence" &c. He said it would be impossible for him to approve, as he has positive orders from Genl. Banks not to do so until the impending movement is over. Then, he said, I might go home. Hence, abiding by his orders, I shall have to see another campaign before I see home. It seems very hard, but I must say it is right. / Capt. Schlick returned last Saturday. Had he returned one week sooner, I could have obtained leave of absence. Many Officers who went home have not yet returned. Five have just resigned, four gone home. Among them our Lt. Col W^m F. Vilas. We all regretted his loss, but I think it was necessary. There remain only ten officers in the Regt. I am placed in temporary command of Co. "E". As Capt. Bull, who is Capt. in it, has to command the Regt. When the 5^th Officer who has resigned goes home a non-commissioned Officer will have to command one of the Companies. Our Col. Guppey, and Major Hill, are both at home.

 

Saturday 5^th     I had to stop here yesterday for review. Genl. Grant reviewed our corps in company with Genl Banks. Genl. Banks reviewed it himself one week ago today. He received no cheers from us, not because he is not a good Genl., but he is not our Genl. When / Grant appeared on the review ground yesterday the cannon fired and a loud and continuous cheering burst forth from 23000 sturdy veterans. We had fun. For when he would pass down slowly in front of a line, (of which there were several), he would ride up in rear of it as fast as his horse could carry him He would beat Banks every time in spite of all his endeavors to spur his horse up. The boys were wild with excitement and rent the air with their shouting. We love Genl. Grant, for we know he is a good Genl. and kind to his men. But his horse racing came near proving fatal in the end; for after review he raced it again. No, I mistake, his horse was frightened by the cars and ran against a carriage which caused him to reel and fall on the Genl. At first we supposed him killed, but lastly learned that he was only badly hurt.

 

I spent the night of Thursday in N. Orleans / I spent a day in the city before that but I had a curiosity to see what is done in it of nights. When we first reached it we got the news from the cab drivers that Gen. Grant was going to speak at the residence of Genl. Banks, and were very solicitous in their endeavors to earn a dollar from each of us in half an hour. We accepted no proposals for a ride from them but stepped into the streetcar and were taken there for five cents. But we heard no speaking. A great crowd was there expectant. We heard good music however which paid us for our trouble.

 

Scott arrived here yesterday evening. I rec'ed cheese, butter, honey, onions and a bottle of____ it is yet unsealed. Tom handed me a letter from Pa in which read, for the first time of the death of John Kezartee. I am indeed sorry for I loved him. He was a fine young man and a /

 

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good soldier All the boys lament his loss.

 

You must be more careful in directing your letters. They are all right with one exception When you intend to make 23 you make 25. Six of your letters to me have gone to the 25^th Regt. On this account the Postmaster of that Regt wrote on the back of the last one sent there "Lt. have your letters backed more plainly and you will receive them more regularly. This is the 6^th one sent here"

 

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In a former letter you spoke of Mr Crouch and asked if we were friends we are friends I think a good deal of him. We move from here presently. I send you two pictures. one for yourself and one for Bell. I rather think tho, I will send Bells to Ruthie. The honey, butter, cheese and onions are as good as need be.

 

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please write soon Your loving Bro Robert B Crandall.

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