Sept 20^th Camp of 50^th Reg't N.Y. Engineers

Wasington D.C

 

Dear Parents Brother and Sisters one and all I will try to write you a few lines to inform you that we are enjoying good health and I trust this will find you the same. Yesterday our Company was separated again. About fifty six of the boys with the Lieut in charge went with part of a ponton train to Alexandria there to await orders from the Army. Hice nor Dick did not go this time and I am very glad of it for they seem almost like brothers to me. The Captain is officer of the day. He has just gone to hear the old Chaplain lecture the boys I dont think much of him as a preacher but / as a citizen I like him very well and as long as I have been in the Reg't I have never heard his name pronounced once and Polk says he has never heard his name either but we all know him well and the only name that he is known by here is the old Chaplain. He is quite an old man probably 60 years of age and very gray headed almost white and quite bald in the bargain. Yesterday I had a pass to go down in the city and while there saw many splendid sights that I did not see one year ago when I was there. I went in the Navy Yard and saw a great many curiosities among them was cannons of the largest caliber and all kinds and some that had been in use and exploded and had been / brought back to show their defects so that in making others the fault may be remedied

 

I also visited the Capitol where old Abe reigns supreme and there too saw many fine specimens of art both in sculptures and paintings The sculpture of Washington and the painting of the baptism of Pocahontas are splendid works but it is no use of my trying to describe the many of the fine sights to be seen for it is beyond my power to do them any justice

 

I am sorry that Pa did not come here last winter when he was down to the Ferry for I think it would have richly paid him to have done so and seeing he did not I think it would be a good idea for him / and you Mother to come down this fall or winter and make us a visit and see a great deal of the world besides. as I have not time to write much more I will bid you an affectionate farewell

                                                                                   

From your son

Charles W

to his friends at home

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