May 19^th /62. I guess its the 20^th tuesday

Cumberland landing              

James City Co. V^a.

 

            Mother—It is a pleasure this morning to me to drop you a few lines: hoping you are well as also Lizzie & Jimmie. I am in midling good health. You will see from the above that we have made another move in the direction of the "Doomed City"—Richmond. We are within 22 miles of it and are now doing duty along the Pamunkey river above West Point. Although not in the "preventive service" altogether, yet the old 57 is here as coast-guard and I now know more of Young Barry's sort of life than I would if I had read "Mag Catchpole" ten times over. I do not know how long it will be our lot to stay here: some say we are now ordered to join the rest of the brigade (which is one day's march in advance of us) and "forward to Richmond" as fast as possible. For my part, I have seen all the / fighting and all the bloodshed I wish for. The "Peach Orchard fight" and the "Williamsburg battle" are sights I do not wish to see again, but if a fight must be, it must and "I'm in" for the "job must be did" and the war finished as soon as possible.

 

We have been paid off in part: that is of the 4 months wages due us, we have got 2 and a promise of the other 2 in a few days—Perhaps we will get paid in Richmond and then if I can get a chance I'll send you a little help towards paying off the Court cost of "Am No Jack Ass"—

 

Mother—I could get 60 days of a furlow. my 2 months pay and $100.00 bounty and the time of my volunteer service counted in as a part of regular enlistment if I would enlist in regular service, but I am of opinion that when such offers are given there is a prospect of discharge for Volunteers in a short time but if I thought the war would last 1 year longer I'd take the offer and pay you a visit in a few days but I think I shall not only pay you / a visit but get home for good and all in about 2 months, perhaps less.

 

Our Orderly Sergeant has been promoted to 2^d Lieut, and private Zahniger to Orderly Sergeant and Clark (our former 2^d Lieut.) is our first Lieut. The boys are mostly sick in fact it is hardly possible to get 50 of our Co. out on drill. Curt Emry is in M^t Pleasant Hospital Washington D.C. S A Emery is sick in quarters Jim Bell is not so home-sick as he was at Yorktown. To tell the truth, only Curt Wingar & Morrow of the recruits are good for anything. They stand it pretty well.

 

Josh & John are well O yes! Sager stands fine, but if Garretson, M^cDougal & Glenn had stayed with the regt they would have done Uncle Sam a good turn—that's my opinion.

 

This is as hot weather as any harvest weather ever I saw, but while off coast-guard-duty it is fun swimming in the tide-water; and in the evening fishing when we can get a skift. We heard last night that Richmond had surrendered to our gunboats but I hardly believe it—hope it's true. 

 

Corn here is a foot high but since we came, no person is left to work it. Has Lizzie got to teaching in Balm yet? If so how much per month does she get? And how does she like the business? "Wee Jamey"! How does he get along? He has tough times poor fellow.

 

O yes! I hear that "Old Mary Snyder" is—is—is—married!!! Is it true? Has Johny Albin got to teaching? or does he intend to teach?

 

            I hope Uncle's folks are all well Give my respects to all Albin's folks and tell "Mariah" that Josh is well I suppose Maria is a pretty good scholar by this time. Has Mrs Enoch come back yet? Has John got his house up yet—That's enough of questions at this time. Please answer them in your next.

Hoping you all well and doing well (like the boys in America) I close.

                                                                       

As ever your Son

Joe.

 

Mother.                                                                                   

SOURCES