Boston Aug. 3^d '62

 

Dear Ro^s

                        I hope soon to be off for the war, if the surgeon passes me I go and of course he will. Mother must not stand in the way this time, it's too late for that. I wrote home Thursday that I was going and to-day I received their reply. you know about what it was, even father joined with them. I felt a great deal like swearing at what he said. Mother and Abbie I expected it from but I thought he would at least keep still. They talk about the warm weather and this and that, it would be just the same if I was going to Canada. Had the Northern women one / half the spunk the Southern women have the war would be nearly ended now. The Southern mother mother grows nearly crazy at the bare thought of her son going to war. But it will make no difference with. I know I am needed and I am going. I go in the Mass. 23^d, Col. Kurtz, an able officer and a fine man. This is one of the best Regts. that has left the state. I am acquainted with a number in it and they are all fine fellows. The Regt. is now stationed at Newbern N.C. guarding the city. 'Tis a healthy place and I think I shall be able to stand it, shall try at least. yesterday was measured for a coat and to-morrow shall be for my pants and boots. It will cost me something more to do this way but / I rather do it than to wear, or rather try to wear the govt. uniforms. I go home Wednesday (the 6^th) to spend a few day and probably only a few, may come back the next Monday as the men will leave very soon. When you write home just reason with them a little and scold too for all of me. Is it any harder for them than for other? Who would they have go? Father speaks of being surprised that I should desire to go when the Govt. is getting all the men it wants. he knows that not one half have yet volunteered, in this city not more than one fourth have come forward. This city pays $100. bounty and after the 15^th they talk of drafting.

 

            I have about closed up my business here, have told my friends that I was going and go I will /

 

Boston Aug. 9^th.

I am off. I arrived in Buckfield Wednesday night and came back Friday (yesterday) A short visit but 'twas the longest I could make I go to camp this morning and to Newbern N.C. Monday. Am in Co. D. 23 Mass. Regt now stationed at that place I have much more than I can do so must cut this letter short. Folks all well at home, they have rec'd their letter and I mine. Will write more when I find time. Write soon directing as above.

                                                                                                           

Yours in haste

Charles Chase

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