Camp Derby Newport News Va.

Thursday evening Dec. 31^st 1863

           

My dear Sister,

                                    This is the last day of the year! A year that has flown quickly with me. I look back to where I was one year ago to-night and it does not seem possible that it has been so long. I have had many homes since then. The first of the year was spent aboard that dull transport, then came dreary St. Helena with its long drills [faded, paper fold] the North Edis river and then back to old North Carolina. First our camp was near Newbern, then at Carolina City and after that at the fort Newbern barracks and then here. I do not know as I can wonder that the term has passed so quickly. I have seen something of a soldiers life but have not been under fire since Dec. 16^th 1862. I can hardly hope to be so lucky the coming year. A short year it will be. I am now a 9 months man no doubt of this I guess. Our adjutant has received an official order from the War Dept. stating that men enlisting in Mass. Regts., old ones, at the time I did would be discharged with the old numbers. This applies to Mass. / troops only, no other governor was authorized to enlist men on those conditions. So "John A." is right after all and has shown himself full as smart as any other governor.

 

            By the noise throughout the camp I should judge the boys were celebrating this the last night of the year. The re-enlisted ones have just been paid off and old cider is running as free as water. I hear much loud talk and should not be surprised if there was trouble before morning, one fellow has just been taken to the guardhouse. I cannot see the fun of getting drunk so am spending the evening in my tent have been looking at the Banner and now am writing home. I know you are thinking of me all of you and wishing that I was there too. 'Twould be pleasant to see you all yet I cannot say that I wish I was there. I wish to live up to my agreement if others do not—will gladly serve my time and then come home to you all. I hope I shall find you all there alive and well. You will say that I am the one that is to pass through danger but I believe I shall live to see you all.

 

            We are having a violent rain storm and I fear the boys will not celebrate the morrow as they have been anticipating. If a fair day they will fire at target for a gold medal, have a foot race &c What will you do? are you to have a sleigh ride? I hope you will not forget to write to me. 

 

            I agree with you that the people of Braintree are not a very high-minded class. I have never seen a young man here whose mind got above the shoe shop, dance hall and fast beam while the young ladies are about the same. Miss Miles is a clever young lady but quite self conceited. I am but very little acquainted in S. Weymouth. To-day I received a letter from Georgia. She writes that she enjoyed your visit much. I hope Martha will get married but guess there is not much danger of it.

 

            New Years day:—Well the old year has passed and the new one is here—a year of strife of pleasure and sorrow it will be. More battles must be fought and friends will weep for those that fall while at the same time they will rejoice over all victories gained over traitors. My wish is that before this year draws to a close peace may be with us once again. And yet when we come to calmly look the field over we can hardly expect the war to end so soon. there are yet many traitors in arms and dispersing them is slow work. When the war broke out all thought that it would last but few months—we now see how mistaken we were and we must not be surprised if it lasts many months longer. we know that civil wars in other countries have lasted years and we must expect the same in this.

 

            Early this morning it cleared away and the day has been a fair but rather windy one. We / are not drilling but the wind has prevented our having much sport. The drunken revelry continued till near noon to-day. now all is quiet in camp. Some are in their tents asleep and others are confined in the guardhouse. The Col. is much more to blame than the men, he could have closed up the Sutlers shop but did not see fit to do it.

 

            Small is still at Augusta but I expect will soon leave for the seat of war. He writes quite often and always sends regards to you.

 

            I guess that you wish you was at home now Ros is there. Wasn't it too bad that he could not see me when he was so near me? Your lost letter has come to light so you will not have to write it over again. But you must write something else. write a good long letter telling me all about the young people of the village if there are any there. About a month ago I received a letter from Mr. Chase of Boston and a good one it was. Also heard from Fred a few days ago. I wrote him as you wished.

 

Sunday:           My letter I have not yet mailed. All that I can add is that we are all well. Rec'd papers last week but no letter. By the way one of the boys wishes you to send more pity and sympathy! Says he used up all that you sent when on guard the other night 'twas bitter cold. The love still holds out! He says send ten days rations. Love to all and all write often. I have thought of a few things that I may need by and by. I send the list in this letter. give it to mother

                                                                                   

Your brother

Charlie

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