Camp of 50^th N.Y. Vol Eng'rs Near

Poplar Grove Church Va. Feb 11^th 1865

                       

Dear Parents

                                                Almost a whole week has passed since I last wrote you and the reason of it is because I have not had time nor opportunity to do so

 

The late movement on the left has made lots of work for us to do in the way of corduroying roads so every man in the Reg't that is reported for duty finds work enough. Yesterday we had to go out at 6 A.M. and did not get back till sunset to day I am left in camp so that I can get myself in readiness to go on guard to night 

 

I dont think the late move amounted to a terrible sight only in the loss of life and of prisoners. Our losses were quite heavy so far as I can learn but I have seen no official report yet

 

            Daniel is still a mule driver and seems to like the biz for it gives him more leisure time than Co duty does. Voorhis is out drawing wood this forenoon and James is with the Co at work on the roads Daniel had the misfortune to burn his coat with his old pipe and has just got through patching it up

 

            The weather is quite cold but no snow the ground freezes hard every night and thaws out a trifle every day The ground has not froze over two or three inches deep at any / time this winter still we find it cold enough for us sometimes The best news I have to tell is that the bloody 15^th N.Y. Eng'rs has had to stop in the rifle pits down between here and the Jones House all this week. Git away band boxes and white gloves

 

Tell the Capt that Lieut Scooly of Co L has resigned and gone home Serg't Lang the dutchman has got a commission and belongs to Co M. Bainbridge has also got his and belongs to Co. I There are still two vacancies in G Co. I have bought me a watch for which I gave a note of 35 dollars due next pay-day and it is the best one I ever owned I tell you its a clipper for time I have been offered 38 for it but refused it 

 

Kate Frisbie writes to James that she has bought a set of furniture so I guess she intends to go to keeping house this spring Wont it seem odd to go to her house a visiting and see the little young Frisbies running about

 

            It will soon be noon so I guess that I might as well quit my scribbling besides I am very lazy and short of news

 

            I Remain as ever your affectionate Son

                                               

Cha^s W. Personeus

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