Camp California Dec 10th 1861

           

Dear Father & Mother

                        It seems to me that your letters are a long while coming and very few of them. I have been looking anxiously for one from some of you for two or three days. I got Father's a week since—inquiring respecting John. I had a letter from him on last friday—which was written on Monday. I suppose he left Wash. on Tuesday—but have not heard from him since. He was very much improved when I saw him last. I think Mr. W. Wilson & Mr. Hayes were very kind to him while in the City. 

 

I suppose you have pretty cold weather up North—at least one would think it from the frosty mornings we have had here. It has been a little severe for some back—and a good coal fire would be very much appreciated. We intend to get a stove as soon as we get our pay—which I think will not be long coming now. Have been expecting it very anxiously for weeks and weeks. I think nearly everyone in the r'g't. is pretty well strapped—even the Staff Officers. We have a very pleasant place to camp now—water is very convenient to us—a stream running within six feet of our tent,—and the parade ground is near by.

 

Today we commenced firing with blank cartridges—to perfect us in firing together. We have had forty round of ball cartridge since we came over here. I suppose we / will practice some at target soon.

 

Our Division is not filled up yet—having but three brigades—and a part of the fourth. Our brigade is composed of New York Dutch—not very agreeable associates—are they? The discipline is very strict—more so I think than that of any other Division on the Potomac—reason is, that we have regular Officers for Generals. We are improving rapidly under the drill.

 

We got our dress suits yesterday and they seemed to please some of the boys very much.—The coats are deep blue cassimere—with a row of brass buttons frock cut—with pockets in the rear. Our Company got fine black pantaloons of light cassimere—or cloth—made very wide, without lining. Shoes the same sort we got before. We did not draw any regulation hats, for we did not want to be bothered / with them. We also got an under shirt and two prs of socks. I suppose we will not draw any more clothing until spring—being very well supplied at present. There has been some fears that we will be attacked here before long—as the enemy is pretty strong in front and has been making some advances of late. But I think they only wish to feel us but and will not likely attack.

 

There are many in the North who think that the war will soon be ended—and that without much fighting—We think differently we know there is a large army in front of us—very strongly entrenched—and ready to accept battle at any moment,—and they must be driven from their position before they will think of giving up. As soon as Manasses is ours—we may look for peace.

 

The box from Mr. Stouffer has not come yet—it ought certainly to be here. Where are Nan & Jimmie? How does his throat come get along? Give my love to all at home—And write soon as convenient. Do my letters go free that are franked? As it is roll call, I must close—Good bye—Much love to all—pray for us.

                                                                       

Affectionately Your Son

J. W. Barnett

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