2/11/63

 

Camp near White Oak Church Va.

 

My dear Wife.

                        Although you may notice a change of name, yet our camp is still in the same spot as when I last wrote. I am alone in command of the camp today, being Officer of the day, and the other officers, in command of their Companies about one mile from here laying out a new camp ground, to which we intend removing in a day or two. We are preparing for winter quarters. This may seem singular to you, and to us it appears rather an unnecessary trouble; but a soldier's life is one uncertainty, and providing we can make ourselves comfortable for the time being, we care but little about the future. We are also in an uncertain position about our brigade. The 119^th and 49^th Pennsylvania, and the 33^rd New York Regt. are under command of Col. Taylor temporarily. Our old General, Pratt, has been placed over a new Brigade and has taken 2 of his old Rgts with him. We are "out in the cold" and are ignorant as to what final disposition will be made of us. I trust we will not lie here long, for wood is very scarce, and if cold weather sets in again, we will suffer much. It is snowing and hailing now, and our experience of this climate is anything but pleasant. The "soft and sunny South" can't be found down here, and between here and Philadelphia there is but little if any difference in temperature. The continued sickness of Rolly and Amy worries me exceedingly. I know dear that all is done for them that the kindest of mothers and relatives and the best of medical attendance can accomplish, but you cannot imagine the anxiety of a parent who is separated from all that is nearest and dearest to him on earth, when he hears that all is not well at home. You will not consider me egotistical, when I say, that if I have one redeeming quality in my composition, it is an unalterable affection for my wife and children. My separation, God knows, is not voluntary, but comes of sad necessity. And the "silver lining" to the cloud is to know that they are as comfortable as it would be in my power to make them, were I at home. I sincerely hope their disease is at its height, and their recovery will be rapid. Poor little Rolly must have had a sad back and breast. Dear little folks how cruelly they must suffer. But I am only in the position of hundreds in the Army who have sick at home and cannot see them. I think dear I will wait until one year elapses and if still in the service, will ask for 30 days furlough. The furloughs now are only for 10 days, and it would leave but a day or two at home if I could obtain one, which is doubtful, as I think a general movement in the Army will be made before long. I would not be much surprised if we were ordered to North Carolina. I hope we will not make a third attempt to cross the Rappahannock, as I do not believe we will accomplish anything in that direction. We must try some new plan. A change of commanders has become so frequent of late, that our men do not consider it of much importance. They are unanimous on one point however. All would like to get home—and once disbanded, but very few would re-enlist. All seem pretty tired of the war. 

 

About the box—Have you sent it? Lieut. Saylor never recd his although it was sent before Christmas! But the men are receiving now almost every day. 3 or 4 days ago over 100 arrived for our Regiment. If you do forward it, send me the receipt per mail. There will then be no difficulty about it. It would be welcomed heartily just now, I assure you. I suppose the Chaplain has reached the city by this time. The money I sent was for yourself and wants. We are expecting the Paymaster again shortly, to settle with us, up to the 1^st January. When he does come I can send you enough to settle all your matters up to date and leave you sufficient to look ahead. I will write to Pop Loudy this week. I did not send per Chaplain as I had no time then to spare for anybody but yourself! I must send Mrs. Mears her money and English some and will retain some $20 for exigencies. For my own wants, but little is required but I have been compelled to buy a pair of boots and must get a pair of new pants and an overcoat in all I will be obliged to outlay some $30. I recd for my pay some $360, and deduct 75 sent you. Mrs Mears $100, my mess bill $40, and I have some $50 left which I will send to Pop Loudy on [?] if we are not paid within a week. Some $1250 are yet due me. You accuse me of being careless in burning my coal. I did not set fire to it, but it was Lieut Logo's doings, while I was absent on duty one day. He and Benny are well and are proud of their caps. But I must hurry off for duty. Give my love to all at home. Kiss little ones over and over again and write often about them. Remember me to all inquiring friends & believe me to be as ever

 

Yours devotedly

Andy

 

Feb 11/63                                                                    

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