In Camp Near Portsmouth Va.

June 2, 1863

 

            Had a letter from Charles A. today. He had much to say about Abbie Streud—his New Year's Gift, Streud signifying that. I proposed that name as an oddity in the family, and Chaz tackled to it at once. I am fond of odd names—wish I had one, there are too many by the name of Thompson.—Exceedingly hot here now, and more dry than has been known for many seasons, so early in the summer. I fear that our healths will be in danger unless rain comes soon. My own health is now excellent. A little troubled to day because of vaccination, but that will soon pass. The health of the Regiment is pretty fair. Some Companies are suffering, others are almost entirely free from any sickness. We are erecting heavy fortifications here, running across the neck of land lying between the West and South branches of the Elizabeth River, some six miles in width. Farm houses and gardens are of no consequence. We are making a fort right around one house—two story double in width, and large. In the event of a fight that house must come down in a hurry, as they have by the dozen up the Nansemond this spring. This portion of the South has suffered terribly. The soldier in the country of the enemy never questions ownership—if he wants anything he takes it, if anything stands in his way he destroys it. I cannot expect a fight here, still it may come and find us asleep as at Suffolk—or nearly so. Nevertheless, if I mistake not, the enemy soon found us sufficiently wide awake to baffle all his schemes for wresting the place from us.

 

            I am sorry to say that our rations now are not of the best. Just at this time of the year, a man needs something more nourishing and palatable than the usual sorts of Army rations. But we must not complain. The negroes bring into camp a great many things—green fruit and berries. They are very peculiar creatures, but they are our friends. As a general thing our men treat the blacks in a very gentlemanly manner indeed. Some are rough and rude, but bad conduct to either black or white—from either side—is frowned down. This system of slavery must go down—even to the uttermost, if it shall also sweep away the slaveholders' whole ungodly tribe.

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