Sept 14, '62                

 

Camp Ramsey            

Near Washington—      

                                             

My dear Wife

                        It is Sunday evening, and I wish you could drop in on us for a few moments. You would be surprised I feel assured. A prayer meeting is being held in the street next to us, and I am glad to say, most of my men are there. Knots of men are gathered all over the camp ground singing hymns and talking quietly. I do not know how long this state will last; when the men move, they may become like other Regiments, but I think not. Chaplain Miller held service this morning at 11 o'clock and the men turned out well. They were very attentive. The prayers and discourse of the Chaplain were excellent, and you can tell your Uncle Ben, that / Miller has already become a favorite with the men. He is prompt to all calls night or day. Our Surgeon will be discharged. He is a wretched stick. The other night, I called him up to see the sick man I mentioned to you. He refused to come out on account of sickness. There was much indignation expressed about it, and the men would drum him out of camp if they had their way. The Colonel is very gracious to me, and the whole of the Officers are very sociable. Our bill of fare is not very extensive. Pork hash, beef and onions, coffee and dry bread. The hash I cannot yet stand. In fact we live pretty much upon bread and coffee. The smell about a camp is one of the most unpleasant features. The woolen blankets and overcoats smell, the plates smell, your clothes smell, and everything about has a greasy feel. We hear of no / intention to move us yet. This afternoon, we had our first orders to guard the Arsenal grounds. This may be the beginning of a long job. Many Regiments pass our ground every day on their way to the Arsenal to exchange their pieces. Most of them have been in service, and they generally look hard, very hard. They all congratulate us on the pleasant position we are in here. I have not been in Washington yet—nor do I expect to get there soon. The Colonel is very scarce with his passes and but few get out. I do not know anything about Horace, but I do not think he is in Washington yet, as I understand Col. Selfridge has left. We are much excited here about the movements of troops to Harrisburg, and the alarm in the city. We understand that our old reserve Regiments are moving off. We would / like to be with them on their march.

 

                        Benny is as clever as ever. They call us the quiet set in camp. Lieut. Logo is also with us. He is a very quiet fellow, but I do not think he will make much of a soldier. He dont study enough.

 

                        I trust Rolly is well by this time. And little Amy I suppose as sweet as ever. Kiss them often for me, dear. They must not forget me. How is your mother, and all the rest? My love to all. Benny desires his respects to you. Remember me to all good friends. Think of, and write to me often Addie for you know not what comfort it is to receive letters from home. Tattoo has beaten and I must close this. At 9½ all lights must be put out except in the Captain's and Officers tents. After that hour, we generally have a little reading and drilling, for the men do not bother us. I find they are a set of babies, and come to the Officers for everything. But it is better so. They learn to depend on us, and in that dependence is success. With much love to you and hoping to hear from you very often believe me to remain as ever                            

 

Your loving husband Andy—

 

Sep 14-62

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