3/9/1863

Camp near White Oak Church Va.

 

My dear Wife.

                                    Our Regiment has been out on "Division Review" to day, from which we returned about 2 o'clock pretty well tired out and myself with a stiff neck and rheumatic pains through my body, caused I presume by standing so long on the damp ground (5 hours) but I feel in prime order to night from the exercise we generally take in the evening at Ball playing, of which I will speak by and by. These Reviews are very interesting I have no doubt to a civilian who is fond of looking at the "Sogers" but they are very tiresome to us poor fellows who have the work. There were some 5000 Infantry out to day besides several batteries. On Saturday next we have a Corps Review which I presume will be a grand sight. These Reviews generally precede a movement, and doubtless soon we will be on the march. I cannot say I regret this, although we are more comfortably fixed now than at any time since we have been in the service—but I prefer being on the go and I would like some successful work to be done. Our men are in splendid condition, and in good fighting trim. The sick and worthless pretty well weeded out and the the good sound men under excellent discipline. Our present camp is acknowledged to be one of the best, if not the best in the Army of the Potomac. It is really beautiful, and every man is comfortably housed. I would like to send you a sketch of it, and will if I find I can do it justice. You must not think it is self-praise on our part if we evince pleasure in speaking of it, for we are proud of it, and have good reason to be 

 

We are through with our daily duties at 5½ o'clock in the afternoon; after that hour, the men enjoy themselves on the parade ground according to their fancies. Our favorite game is ball, and we generally have a good game before dark. The Officers and men all join in and rank for the time is forgotten. It would do you good to see the ground during such a game. Our men enjoy socking us heartily and I have no doubt many a treasured wrong is here redressed by a good hearty thrower. I have seen as many as 300 men on our parade playing at one time. Ball, leap frog, quoits, running, jumping &c. and all in indescribable confusion, and yet, we have to note the first unpleasant feeling or quarrel in consequence. It is a matter of remark among us, and promises a good result when the men are again taken into action. In fact the 119^th is earning a splendid reputation that I have no doubt will be fully sustained in the day of trial. Benny & myself went over to the Corn Exchange on a visit last Sunday. They lie about 5 miles from here. Neither of us came home tipsy as I wrote you I was afraid we would. I must say I was much disappointed in the appearance of the Regiment. You know it has been lauded to the skies and was so much flattered when it started out, that I expected something extraordinary, but they cannot compare with our boys. There is a sad spiritless air about them that rather chills one accustomed to a racketing noisy party like ours. 

 

            I saw Uncle James' death in the paper before I recd your favor (to-day) enclosing slip. Poor man! He has doubtless suffered much during the past few months. Please present my hearty sympathies to Aunt Charlotte and cousins when you next see them, and state my regrets that absence prevents me from offering any assistance. The paragraphs relating to the visits of females to the Army are very good and true in every respect. It is no place for women. Many Officers have had their wives with them lately, but I should be very sorry to see mine down here. Some short time ago, a mother came down here to see her son in our Regiment. She was obliged to remain here some days and as she could find no other headquarters than the Captain's tent (of the Company her son was in, not mine recollect) he was obliged to turn out his Lieut. and share his bed with her, not exactly his bed for we have separate bunks, but anyhow it was pretty close quarters. It caused a few jokes but could not be helped. Were I in such a fix, I think, if I wished to place all doubt beyond a cavil, I would keep my Lieuts in the tent.

 

So you do not like "De Friskits"—Well tastes differ—and I think I should prefer the blood & thunder scenes there to such as we witness here. I trust we will not have much to go through with this Spring. It is pretty nearly time this war was ended. The South must be nearly "played out" in men and means, and I much doubt that they can hold out a great while.

 

Our Colonel is in Washington on a 5 days leave of absence. / Let us be charitable, and believe he went for good purposes. Capt. Warner is home on a furlough, and I suppose he will meet Capt Loudy while there. He is an aspirant for post of Major here, which we suppose will be made vacant by the resignation of Knight. Lt. Col. Clark we understand is very low and will never be able to rejoin the Regt. For all blessings let us be devoutly thankful. He has not one friend here. Have you seen Chester S. Lee yet? I sent a letter by him. You should have received it by Tuesday at least. He is a very good fellow. If you can send me a "skeleton knapsack" by him, it would be a great convenience to me. Uncle Hen will know what that is. But don't give yourself any extra trouble about it for I can get along very well without it. I am truly glad to hear the children are doing so well and trust their present state may continue. Make Rollie a good boy. Kiss them over and over again for me. Give my love to your Mother and all cousins and aunts and best respects to your Uncles. How does Uncle Theo progress? Don't forget to send your photograph by Lee, and believe me to remain as ever your devoted husband

 

Andy

 

March 19th                                                                 

 

NB They say the Paymaster will be here on Sunday next.

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