Newbern Jan 11^th 1863.

 

Dear Brother,

                        It has been some time since I wrote you, and longer since I received anything from you; but we must blame the shoulder straps for it. They stopped the mails. We have been expecting to receive marching orders for some time and now are not disappointed. We are to start within forty eight hours. No doubt you would like to know where we are going. So would I, but cannot, and do not expect to. 'Tis enough for a private to do his duty, and ask no questions. Tonight, you are undoubtedly playing the dutiful, and I would not mind doing the same thing / (if I could.) You remember the old saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way", but if a fellow has a desire to go courting, out here, I never do, I'd like to see him do it. A white woman is a great curiosity here.

 

            I was over to the 23^d today, and had a pleasant visit. Dick's Co was not in. They are to go also on the tramp. We are to take only five days rations, so before you receive this, we may get back.

 

            You need not tell the folks at home that we are off again, unless you see by the papers that this Brigade, the 4^th, is on some big thing. 'Twill make them worry, and do no good. I think we are only to draw the attention a little, while the rest of our force does something better. I think the larger part of the force is to / go by transports, for the river is alive with them.

 

            There seems to be a disorder here, which takes the men down very quick. One of our men died with it last week. It is much like congestion of the brain. Our Reg't has been quite healthy since we left home.

 

            When you send anything to me, I would like a small quantity of good whiskey. If I could have had a little on our last march, it might have saved my taking a severe cold. Then is the only time a soldier needs it. After a fight in mud and water, and no change of clothing, a man needs something as a stimulant.

 

            Mon. 12^th. The order of things is somewhat changed, and our tramp / is postponed. It is quite certain that something is to be done here before many days. Rumors are plenty but you know as much as we, until we find ourselves in front of the enemy.

 

            We have very interesting prayer meetings three a week, and I hope good may result from them.

 

            The 23^d have struck their tents and are to move tomorrow. I hear that they are going towards Beaufort.

 

            How do you prosper, and how is business?

 

            I think there is to be some hard fighting this winter, and no doubt we must see some of it. I hope we may do our duty and be spared to return home. War is sad business, and I hope will soon be settled.

Milo

 

14^th We are off tomorrow

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