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

Poplar Grove Church Va. Mar 5^th 65

                       

Dear Parents

                                                I will try to scratch a few lines to you before meeting so it will not take so long to finish after church. The new Church is finished and is a splendid one and a real ornament to our camp. I have the pleasure of informing you that the health of the family is good which is the best news that I have to write about this time and in fact about the only news. Daniel is busy melting lead and moulding it you know he used to be always conjuring at / something and he has not got over it yet. Voorhis is writing and Jimmie is on guard and I am sitting on a stool with my portfolio on my knee so you know or will when you get this just what we are all doing at this time 1½ P.M.

 

We signed the pay rolls last night so we will probably get our pay soon. We are to have but four months pay this time although we have mustered for six months and it is a mean niggardly game that Uncle Sam is playing on us and if the war continues much longer the soldiers wont have any rights at all and they have but very few now but I guess / I can stand it for I have'nt got to stay but five months and a few. After we get pay this time I dont expect to get any more before my time is out so I shall keep a good handfull with me and will not send any home. I received a letter from you this morning and was sorry to hear that Ma had worked so hard as to make herself sick again. Brevet Major Hine has resigned and gone home He left this morning. Isaac Potter says he starts for home tomorrow and thinks he will go up and see the Captain before he comes back

 

Julia I think you have improved considerable in writing and your letter is composed / first best and I plague Daniel and tell him that you can beat him all to pieces writing letters. I will have to look out or you will beat me too. I believe you and the Grey are eleven years old this spring are'nt you. Julia you wont get angry at me will you now for it is all in fun. you know I used to plague you about being as old as the Grey was

 

            My sheet is about filled so I will close by bidding you all good Bye

 

            This to the loved ones at Home

                                                                       

Charley

 

P.S       I have been to church and heard an excellent sermon. The text was the first verse of the 14^th chap St John

 

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