Sep. 16^th Camp of 50^th Reg't N.Y. V. Eng'rs

Washington D.C

 

Dear Parents

                        I now sit down to pen a few lines to inform you that we are well as usual and I hope this may find you enjoying the same blessing. Yesterday Gov. Andrews of Massachusetts was here to witness the construction of our ponton bridge and after it was completed he got in the Generals carriage and rode over it and I tell you this Reg't is trying to put on a mighty sight of style. They have gone so far as to order all non-commissioned officers to wear white gloves and chevrons on their coat sleeves to designate their rank. There was a good many non com's that did not wear chevrons I among the rest have not worn any in two months but will have to wear them now or be reduced to the ranks by order of Gen Benham I wish he had the gloves and chevrons both stuck in his tother end that is all the harm I wish him at present The Non commissioned officers get one hour's extra drill every afternoon and the Line officers get some extra drill too. They drill with guns the same as we do but they go off out of sight of the boys so they wont get laughed at. It is now nearly time to go out and drill so I will close untill this afternoon. 

           

Thursday morning Sept. 17

We are in usual health this morning I did not finish my letter yesterday as I intended to because I had to work all the afternoon helping to fit out a ponton to side of 20 boats. Co. D started with it last evening and went over land with it but I do not know where they calculated to take it. We received a letter from you yesterday stating that you were all well of this I am very glad and I hope your health as well as ours may continue good you spoke of Silas Schoonmaker and William Leonard's enlisting I think it is a foolish operation of Sils to enlist for a bounty or for any one else God knows I never did nor ever thought / of the thing And Bill Leonard did very wrong to enlist unbeknown to his Parents but he has been wanting to enlist for more than a year. I have no news to write about and consequently will have to close this poor scribling which you will be puzzled to read

                                                                                   

From your son

Charley

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