Camp near Warrenton Va. Aug 31 63

 

My dear Dot

                                    I have had a very busy week of it. We have just got through our August muster, and in addition to the preparation of rolls &c. &c. I had a legal job, having been appointed Counsel to defend two privates of the 49^th Penna. ( in our Brigade) against charge of desertion. The trial is over but we do not yet know the verdict. In addition to this I was appointed Judge Advocate of a Court Martial which was to meet this morning to try one of our own Captains (Noble of Co G) for disobedience of orders, but from some unknown cause, the court was dismissed without a meeting. As our rolls will go right through now, and the Paymaster will be here, I have determined to send all the money I can to all I can, together, and can do safely by the Chaplain. Mails are uncertain with us judging from the irregularity with which we receive letters. Can you send me John Burkhardt's address? I have forgotten it. Somewhere in Christian Street. I have just recd notice of having been elected Honorary member of old C Company Grey Reserves. I am much obliged for the honor, but if they ever get me to parade as a soldier through the streets when I am once more at home I must change my opinion "muchly"— 

 

And so Miss Lizzie's (I beg pardon Mrs. Buchlei's) troubles have begun. I hope she had a pleasant wedding and can but send her lots of good wishes. I suppose you will give me full description of the wedding, entertainment &c. I wish if not too late, you would present my hearty congratulations to the happy pair. Where are they going to hang up? We have no news here of that sort. A petticoat to be sure is not a sight so rare it once was but still, it is looked on with rapture, and undisguised admiration. There are some very pretty faces here in Warrenton but alas! the knowledge of their heartfelt hate of us takes away much of the pleasure of gazing at them. But a sight of a young Northern Bride would be something nice. Well! Well! "the King will enjoy his own again" some day soon. I hope you fixed up nicely as possible for the occasion, and have no doubt you looked well. It gives me much pleasure to hear your trial with the cow has resulted so successfully. I suppose you will be scarcely recognizable when I return if you are getting really fat. Keep at it. It is fortunate you have had so little trouble with the little ones this summer. The little rascals how I would like to give them a grand squeeze. Why don't you send me one of my photographs? I would like to have one. All the Officers / have asked me for exchanges. I must order a few more some time. The weather is much cooler, in fact at night it is really cold, and one night in particular it was so cold many of us could not sleep. Of news or gossip I have none. Things are very quiet. We hope Charleston will be taken, and the war settled. We laugh at the idea of Davis calling out 500,000 blacks to fight, and think he dares not do it. Moseby we fear has captured our Sutler, but that is of very small matter to the Government, and we do not think will much injure Uncle Sam's credit. Benny and Logo are well and in good spirits. I hope Pop Loudy and his good wife will make a long stay with you, as I am well aware what an addition to your comfort it is to have them with you. Please give them my best respects, and tell them if they should come any where near Warrenton, I shall certainly expect a visit from them.

 

                        An order has just come ordering that Court Martial (for a second time) to meet. So I must hurry through to prepare my case. I do not like it I assure you. It is an unpleasant job at best, but to conduct a prosecution against your brother Officer is a little too much for human nature. But it must be done. Give my love to all the household and best respects to all inquiring friends, and trusting to / hear continued accounts of your good health and comfort believe me to remain as ever

                                                                                               

Yours devotedly in haste

Andy

 

Dear Roly—

                        I am always glad to hear from you, and also from your Mama that you are a good boy and love sister Amy. And so you get lots of good milk from the new cow. You must never pull the cow's tail though for you know you might pull it out, and then how would she look? We see many little boys and girls here, but they are all butternuts? maybe Mama can tell you what that means. They nearly all go barefooted, for their Mamas cannot buy shoes for them. You would not like this I know but it cannot be helped. They had no business to be butternuts. You must give Amy lots of kisses for me. I hope you will write soon again

                                                           

From your Affectionate

Papa.

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