Camp near Bell Plains, Va.

December 8^th 1862

 

Dear Brother.

                        Your letters of the 23^d & 2^d which were joyfully received. I know not why our letters are detained so I rec^d a letter from home on the 2^d it was dated Nov. 27^th (Thanksgiving) Mother stated that she had been sick & father was laid up with a lame side I fear our dear parents are suffering for many luxuries which a little cash would bring them. Yes dear Brother our parents are suffering & we must try to do something for them. The Goverment have not paid us. Why is it? They will pay a recruit, 25 or 30 dollars, but leave an old soldier one who has been in service one, one & a half years or more & not give them even their pay. the reason for my speaking of this you will perceive. here are men in our Company who have a family suffering for the nessesaries of life. Now, to keep men for 7 or 8 months without pay is hard very hard. you need not think that your brother is not as patriotic as he was a month ago. Nay! I could on a stretch get along without any, provided I wrote none. I have just returned from a tour of guard duty, being detailed to guard a wagon train to & from Stafford Court house. this has been a terrible job. it first rained, then hailed, & last [torn] snowed to the depth of several inches through this we had to make our way 23 miles back. I stood it first rate, although my heels were frostbitten I wrote home that we (the Army of the Potomac) are not properly clothed. this is a mistake we have all we can carry & more. I thank you for the stamps & if it would put you to no inconvenience I would ask you to get a small box (paper) & put a few envelopes & sheets of paper. also some thread & needles. now if it will put you out of the way at all do not send them. send by mail. Our Brigade is now being paid off & we may (if we do not march) get paid off this week. 2 4 or 6 months pay, at the option of the paymaster. If I get 2 months pay I shall send $20, 4 months 40 or 50 dollars, but things are so stirring we know not how long we shall remain at rest. it is rumored that we cross the Rappahannock river tomorrow but do not know how soon it will be. George was rather sick when I last heard from home.

 

I am glad you like your place hope you will do what is right how much wages do you get. Cannot you get your photograph taken & send it to me.

No more at presant & I remain

 

your aff^t brother

Loomis T. Palmer

Co C 1^st Long Island Reg

1^st Brigade, 3^d Devision, 6^th Army Corps

Washington D.C.

 

P. S. you see I commenced my letter on the wrong page.      Loomis

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