Camp near White Oak Church Va.

Sunday March 1^st 1863.      

   

My dear Wife.

                                    The first day of Spring is an exceedingly unpleasant one so far as weather is concerned. A drizzling rain keeps us within doors, at least such doors as we have, being little more than holes in the front of our tents; but I am happy to say we are comfortable. And I doubt much whether there is a Regiment in the field more agreeably located, and better prepared against inclement weather than the 119^th Penn. Our new camp presents, indeed, quite a pretty sight, and we have availed ourselves of every opportunity to make it look "Compact and Comfortable". Since I last wrote we have had some very trying times. Last Sunday being the 22^nd we had intended to grand ceremonial on the occasion of unfurling our large flag for the first time since the Regiment left Tenallytown. Several dignitaries were invited to participate, but Alas! a raging snowstorm put an end to all the fun and we were obliged to postpone the festivities. On Monday morning it had cleared sufficiently to give promise of a fair day, and we commenced preparations to give a post celebration. The Colonel appointed me Chairman of the Committee on "the Affair". I rode over to Head Quarters and extended invitations to the "big bugs", then returned and / assisted in preparing a Vinegar Barrel of whiskey punch and such other "luxuries" as can be found in a well regulated camp. We could scare up but 4 gallons of "Commissary Whiskey" (84 cents a gallon) and much finesse was required to make a big thing of it. 12 o'clock M. was the hour appointed for the grand event to come off, and the guests having arrived, the flag was raised by my 1^st Sergeant Laurenz with complete success. We had a splendid brass band present, and after a patriotic medley, and some stirring speeches from Cols. Ellmaker and Taylor and other officers we adjourned to partake. The punch and eatables were duly punished, several gentlemen were very lively and some decidedly "tight", but all passed off nicely and agreeably, and the guests expressed themselves highly pleased with the entertainment, and delighted with the amiable and courteous bearing of the Officers of our Regiment. So much for the 22^nd. Tuesday it rained, Wednesday it rained, Thursday was clear, Friday it rained. Saturday was clear. To day it rains, and from present prospects may rain a month. There is one special comfort accompanying all this bad weather, viz: that so long as the mud lasts, we must be quiet, any important movement being impossible. The roads are terrible and must continue so for some time. 

 

Your last favor relieved me of much anxiety of mind. I was delighted to hear of the improvement of the children, and trust they will soon entirely recover. As for Rolly, tell him I will send him lots of spanks if he will not come under proper authority. I cannot say I regret his being a wild colt, but am sorry he should cause you much uneasiness. Little Amy I hope will not become so delicate as you apprehend. I cannot express to you how much I was pleased at the improved tone of your last letter. The former was so gloomy and deprecated my absence so much, that it quite saddened me. You need not dear ever ask my opinion about going to parties. You already know my wishes in that respect. Go to as many as you think proper, but one thing I ask, eat one mouthful for yourself and two for me, for of dainties we see but little. The Chaplain has gone after boxes for our Regiment, so I hope to ascertain the contents of mine by tomorrow night. I suppose everything will be spoiled, mince pies and all. Better arrangements should be made by the government in regard to boxes for the Army. In many cases the Provost Guard break them open and eat or waste all the contents. But our poor soldiers do not receive much encouragement from the government they are fighting to perpetuate. So let it go. It ought to be better, it might be worse. 

 

I can say with sincerity, that I wish Spring would open, so we could move, for I am heartily sick of doing nothing but lolling around camp, but I guess we will get enough of it at last. I have no views or gossip to narrate. No one dead, married or got a baby. The health of the camp is remarkably good. My own never better. Give my love to your Mother and Aunt and all the females of the household, and best respects to your Uncles who are I hope well and in no fear of the Conscription Act. Kiss little ones over and over again for me, and remember me kindly to all inquiring friends. Let me hear from you often and believe me to be as ever

                                                           

Your devoted husband

Andy

N.B. The Paymaster will be here in 2 weeks time to pay us in full to 1^st March. 4 months pay!!

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