January 11^th 1862       

Camp near Belle Plains Va

 

My dear Wife—

                        Your favor reached me yesterday and I really felt sad at the greater part of the contents. You can readily imagine how despondent such troubles as you encounter must cause me to be, at present. But I must say dear the doubts you express as to my intentions to take care of what is nearest and dearest to me now on earth, when it becomes possible for me to do so, at first reading rather irritated me, particularly when not only myself but all of the Officers and men in the Regiment feel the great neglect on the part of the Government, in not paying us our just and righteous dues. Five months have now elapsed since we commenced working for Uncle Sam. In that time our Regiment has in every respect done its duty. We have endured extraordinary hardships for green men, have submitted to long and severe marches with not more than half rations, have been on the battle field calmly awaiting our time to be slaughtered, and suffered all patiently and willingly. But we certainly did expect better things of the Government. And not only this, but the Committee having the arrangements for the recruiting of our Regiment made many promises to the men who enlisted which have never been fulfilled. The 119^th was to be taken care of as no other in the field. It was to be the model Regiment, was to receive extraordinary benefits. The families of the men were to be taken care of and looked after by the Committee. But our ears are pained every day by the reading of letters from these very families, some of whom are literally penniless, some existing on charity, and all, crying aloud for their husband's pay. Although the men do not reproach us openly with deception, yet we feel that the all the promises made them, to induce them to enlist have not been faithfully kept. It is not surprising under the circumstances that the men lose their zeal in the cause, and a feeling of indifference, if not direct insubordination is gradually gaining ground. We feel this very much. The men to be sure obey but it is not with the same spirit they formerly did, and every chance to escape duty is made available. These facts force themselves upon our notice, and worry our minds greatly, but time we trust will "set all things even"— And I merely mention them that you may know, we have our troubles to contend with, and how sore we are upon the subject of pay. Now one word to you my dear. If one half of what I shall receive, will not set you up on your feet again, you must have more but I think that nearly $300 which you will be forwarded will certainly leave you some spending money. If you must have more let me know in due season. As to Dr. Wilson's bill it is an affair I am greatly surprised at. I certainly did not expect it would be demanded, but that a full receipt would be handed you. Is it for your confinement and subsequent sickness? or is it for late attendance? Pop Loudy's does not trouble me as much as it did, for yesterday I recd a letter from him, the first since I left the city, (enclosing a photograph of him [?] in the new uniform of the Reserves) in which he refers to the matter that it need give me no uneasiness, and that he considers it his duty to do all he can &c &c. It does one good to receive such epistles, cheering and encouraging all he can. He hopes the war will soon be over, and so do all of us. Now do not worry yourself any more about money matters, I pray you, dear. Trust in my intentions to do all in my power for you when the time comes, and take the advice of your friends. Do not let my absence cause such despondence for the time I trust will soon come when we shall be together again. I was amused at your experience with Rolly at the play of Cinderella. It must have brought the house down in his neighborhood. How delighted I would be to see the 2 children if only for five minutes. As for yourself dear I cannot express the feeling that our indulged absence causes on my part. I could be perfectly satisfied with my present position and with all continued hardships did I have a sight of you but once in a while only. But we must be patient and endure it a little while longer. I do not wish to feign sick and get home that way, but some / door may open shortly, and then we can see each other once more. Our Lieut. Col Clark, Major Knight Capt Ripka of A—Capt Truefit of G, Capt Ridgway of I, Capt Campion of H, Lieut Hirons of D, Lieut Lieut Faust of G, Lieut Thomas of H and Lieut Ludwig of I are all home on sick leave. So you may see how many officers are gone and know how much extra work it gives us who remain. Some of the above are calico sick, some are really sick. Lieut Saylor has been quite ill but is now mending, though not so rapidly as I could desire. Lieut Logo is well. I believe I am the only Officer in the whole Regiment who has entirely escaped sickness and who has not been at any time absent 5 minutes from duty. But I must not flatter myself that I am invulnerable for my time may yet come. There are many things of which I would like to speak but I must not do it in a letter, but we will have much to talk over when we meet. No boxes can yet reach us. They sent one to Lieut Saylor over 3 weeks ago, and it has not yet come to hand. If one could be sent I would trouble you for I am nearly worn out as regards underclothing. I have to lie abed while my flannel drawers are washed. But I must hurry this over to head Quarters in time for mail. I have not much to say in it, and it will give a dull one to you I fear. Next time I write I will endeavor to have something more to say. Give love to all at home and remember me to all friends. Kiss little ones for me & believe me to be as ever your dearest husband

Andy

 

P.S. Couldn't Henry or Williams come down? They could get passes through Judge Kelley. We would be delighted to see them.

 

[verso]

 

Soldiers Letter                                                                       

B R Miller                                                                  

Chpl                                                               

119 Reg P.V                                                               

 

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Care W. I. Blanchard Esq                                                                  

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