Base Hosp. 18^th A.C.

September 22^nd 1864

 

Dear Father

                        I believe that I answered your excellent letter of the 28^th ult. soon after I received it but according to my "Golden Rule" of action I should write you now because I have not written in some time. I am getting along finely here. I am feeling quite well but rather weak for taking upon me the Co. duties that await my return from the Hospital.

 

The change of diet has done more for me than the medicine that I have taken / I think. The patient's table is well supplied with "Light Diet". corn meal gruel corn starch tea etc. Sometimes we have tea made of beef after a manner well understood by the Lady Supt. of the Hosp. Cooking. This "Beef Tea" is very nutritious and well liked by nearly every patient. We have bread, sometimes roasted & sometimes not. Always enough and always enough of a variety. I tell you this, thinking that a knowledge of Hosp. fare will help to assure you that I am fareing well.

 

I understand that there are some three or four letters in camp for me. I wish that I had them before I finish this. But I will keep this letter 'til tomorrow in hopes that these letters may be sent me tonight or tomorrow. The most of the Regt. is away / from camp on a scout or tramp of some sort down in the neighborhood of City Point where the Rebs took so many of our Gov. cattle a few days ago. I understand that the Regt. left in light marching orders. Of course they will come back to the old camp in a few days unless the Gen. sees fit to have the Regt. form a permanent camp near where they are and erect some kind of fortifications. This has been spoken of as one of the objects likely to engage our attention for a time this fall. I'm sure I can not tell anything about the future of the 148th. Some think that a general engagement will take place in a week at most, but I do not see it so readily. There was music enough along the lines upon the reception of the news of Early's defeat in the Shenandoah. It reminded me of the A.M. of the 30^th July & I could almost / see the conflict as I lay on my cot & listened to the cannon's roar so vividly was the scenes of the 30^th brought to my mind. Sep. 23^rd. The mail that I suppose is in camp for me has not made itself present to my eyes yet. I will not detain this letter on account of them. I have just heard from the Regt. It is now about two miles from City Point and about six miles from here. It is thought that our camp will be moved and the Regt. go at once at work throwing up a line of fortifications. I shall know all about the matter when I write again I expect. Please answer this at length soon and enclose a few postage stamps. With love to all

 

I remain          Your Affectionate Son

Chas. A. Gillet

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