"Gettysville"                          

Near Portsmouth Va.

Camp 13^th NHV   Dec 6, 1863.         

 

            I am glad to learn that no Copperhead "principles" find favor with you. I am also as bitterly opposed to everything that tends to weaken the power of the United States, as I am to the extension of negro slavery, or its perpetuation, or the inordinate use of intoxicating liquors—all deviltry is of the same level. Affairs here do not bear the bright aspect which they did a month ago. For me, I cannot see why Gen. Meade should have made such a powerful demonstration, and then so suddenly have retraced his steps. Had he advanced with a fair show of success, and at the same time had a heavy column been detached from this Department or elsewhere, and forwarded up the Peninsular, Richmond must have fallen. The whole Peninsular is clear to within a few miles of Richmond.  I believe that many a private soldier in his independent scouting expeditions learns far more than any General is willing to believe or attempt to profit by. I have seen men who have scoured this whole section for miles around, and said that they did not dare report all they knew, or had learned, for fear of the guard house or the persecutions of superiors. But under military rules, I lay myself liable for "re[?]" if this letter should be opened.

 

            If the Army—and this time will prove—if the Army keeps quiet this winter, an ignominious peace, or a heavy summer campaign next summer, will be the inevitable consequence. If the rebels were now assured that they would receive lenient treatment at the hands of the U.S. Govt., they would now be glad to succumb. As it is they can see nothing but war, or to them a practical slavery—and they prefer war. I too prefer war to any compromise with men who will stab in the dark, traitors and outlaws. They cannot be trusted, and if this war should end, the Southern leaders would again, if they saw a fair promise of succeeding, dare another attempt to gain their independence. All the Southern people whom I meet about here are willing for, and would be glad to have, the old course of affairs as it existed five years ago. The people are one class—the leaders in the game quite another. We have a most abominable streak of climate here now. Yesterday noon it was so warm that many men on duty suffered much of the heat; at noon today it is so cold that we can scarcely keep from freezing. I have mowed at home when it was much colder than yesterday—have skated when it was much warmer than it is today.

 

Our "Subs." are not all gentlemen—nor all of them wise. We were out firing at target yesterday, and one Sub. managed to set the whole brigade in a roar, by his awkwardness—holding his gun at arm's length, and getting knocked into a corkscrew when it was fired off. My health is excellent. Have a plenty of exercise, good fare and am not severely exposed. Am heavy—tanned—fat—stout. Don't look much like the pale 135-pounder who left home fourteen months ago. Can tip 170 now quick. Can sleep almost anywhere now, and subsist on almost anything. The fare of the men is at times very poor, and no one can blame them for complaining. My own fare is as I choose to have it. Buy my own victuals, and therefore live as I please. The expense of my weekly board, is, on the average, $4.50. Many raise their expenses to six dollars, but the luxuries which they have, my bowels do not luxuriate upon—and are more injurious than beneficial. I had an excellent Thanksgiving Dinner—one thing, however, was lacking—pumpkin pie. I partly made up the deficiency with plum-pudding. I have had made for myself a very comfortable log house, and if permitted to remain here, shall not suffer as I did last winter, up at Fdsbg. The exposure, cold and discomfort of last winter, taught me how to prize prosperity. I am very busy now. We drill five hours a day. I have to command the Company (E.) on all the drills. I am now in full command of the Company—have had full command for nearly two months. All its property is also on my hands. Am the only commissioned officer present with the Company, and have no one to call upon but my Sergeants—they are all good, trusty men and help me a great deal. Our First Sergeant (or Orderly) is one of the best in the Regiment—John F. Gibbs. To command a Company, however, all alone, is a hard, mean job. A Captain has two Lieutenants to help him. I, a second-lieutenant, have no one.—but Company E. stands second to no Company in this Regiment in efficiency, promptness or drill—

                                                           

Signed—

S.M.O.—Lieut. cmdg. Co. E. 13^th NHV.

 

(All I have are these three.)

SOURCES