Camp near White Oak Church Va.

March 31^st 1863.        

 

My dear Williams and Henry.

                                    We have just finished the pleasant labor of distributing the various packages of "good things" brought for our Regiment by Mr. Allman the only member of the Committee having the affair in charge who was able to secure a pass from Secretary Stanton to visit us. His activity and attention secured the safe and prompt delivery of the various boxes barrels and bundles (125 in number) in camp about 12½ o'clock to day, and it was a scene long to be remembered by all to witness the gratification of the Officers and men, upon receiving such substantial evidences of the kindly feelings of the contributors to our comfort and happiness. Although it was hinted by Mr. Allman that there were some of the packages directed to the Officers of Company C yet we had no idea that so liberal a donation had been forwarded to us, and, I can assure you, we were completely surprised when we ascertained that by far the greater proportion of the valuables were intended for the Officers and men of my Command. Here allow me for myself Lieuts Saylor and Logo and the men of our Company to heartily thank you for your consideration, to assure you that your generosity is duly appreciated, the more so, as it was entirely unexpected, and that one and all of us will not forget the good friends who hold us in such kind remembrance. The articles were just the character to be appreciated, and when the proportion / given to Company C by the Committee was added to the contents of the three barrels each man received a good haversack full of what to him are real luxuries. The Regiment nor our many true friends in the city cannot too highly estimate the valuable services of Mr. Allman in connexion with his duties as a member of the visiting Committee. He sacrificed his time and comfort to accomplish the purpose of his visit, and the only drawback to the pleasure he has given us, was I am sorry to say the neglect he experienced on the first night he spent in our camp. I would not mention this matter at all, were I not afraid that it might sometime come to your ears, and unless you had an explanation, we might be considered equally culpable with others. On Sunday morning the charge of entertaining Mr. A. was committed by the Colonel to one of the Captains. We thought all was right but the sleeping accommodations were wretchedly attended to. A cold damp tent and an insufficient supply of blankets caused a sleepless night, and in the morning Mr. A. gave sufficient evidence of dissatisfaction as to his reception. He even spoke of returning home that day. The Officers of the Rgt. had some conversation about the affair and finally upon our invitation Mr. A. came to our tent, and has been with us since. We are very glad to have him, and trust that we will be able to remove in some degree the unfavorable impression he had formed of the hospitality of the Commanding Officer of the 119^th. The Col. did not offer him quarters / because he was expecting a visit from Capt's Thomas Croneburger and J. N. Peirsoll, who were coming for pleasure, not to benefit the Regiment as Mr. A. has done, and who certainly deserved the greater consideration. However I trust he will not place all of us Officers in the same category. He will call and give you an account of his visit no doubt, and has promised to give Addy a description of our camp and the manner in which we live &c. &c. But I must hurry through as it bed time, and we must be up early in the morning to breakfast Mr. A. who leaves us at 7½. You would oblige me by reading this to Mr. Saylor and Pop Loudy. Lieut Saylor will write to John tomorrow or next day. The Lieuts desire their remembrances to you. Give my love to Addy and all the family and best respects to inquiring friends, and believe me to remain as ever

                                                                                   

Yours truly

Andy

 

P.S. I omitted to thank you for your kindness in sending the skeleton knapsack. It is just the article wanted.

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