Camp of the Fourteenth N. J. Vol^s

Near Culpepper, Virginia.

Thursday Eve, Oct. 1^st 1863.

 

Dear Mother

            Yours of the 27^th Sep^t came duly to hand this afternoon and as I have a very small piece of candle I will pen you a few lines in answer. Although there is no news of any importance perhaps I can make out a few lines. I was very glad to hear you rec^d the check. Well Mother our Colonel has returned to the Regiment. the boys were all glad to see the old gentleman back again. he came in camp night before last amid cheers & shouts throughout the Regiment. he appeared highly gratified with the reception. Corp^l Byram isn't likely to be here in a month yet. he has been down to Culpepper I hear with conscripts since we have been laying here. I believe I dont want his job bad. I think we will have rain before morning, it sprinkles a little already. I feel in hopes we shall have some rain for it is much needed in these parts, it being very dry and dusty. I havn't heard from Corp^l Charlie White since he went to the Hospital, and I dont know what hospital he is at. I thought I would receive a letter from him before this but he hasn't written. we expect our Orderly back in a week or two. Eseck is well he is on guard at the ammunition train. All is quiet along the lines there being no signs of an attack. it is the general belief that this will be our winter quarters if nothing serious turns up in the meantime. Tell Major he had better answer my letter before I hop on his oyster bed ha ha. give my best respects to all the neighbors and enquiring friends. Tell Peter J. H. that I am daily expecting a letter from him. I think I can tell you some anecdotes if the Lord spares my life to meet you all once more. God grant it. let us remember that nothing is impossible with God.

 

            Does Adlum & Cole do a rushing business? they'll make a fortune I think in the grocery business on Red Bank if business is as good as when I was concerned in it. I havn't heard from S.E.W. yet. if I can only find out where he is I will write to Mrs Warren you see I always give the women a thought as I go along, ha ha. I will write to Dominy Middledich but / [front margin] I wrote him once and rec^d no answer from him. I will write him tomorrow if nothing happens and will write him a good one, for I can do it.

 

Well Mother I have scratched you a sheet full and still my candle stays with me but it will soon be gone Serg^t Prickett has just come in my establishment. he sends his best respects. Serg^t Foster Corp^l Geo. White Joseph Hartstone & myself tent together. Just step in and take a sly glance at us you would see four just as happy Sogers as there are in these diggings & just as good looking ahem ha, ha. George & I make an agreement about a week since not to shave our chins until we get home. I present a fine appearance on Dress Parade already, ha, ha /

 

6^th

Please send me some stamps Mother, for I cannot get any here. there is no danger of the letters getting strayed away, as long as we are laying here still Cap^t Gowdy of Company F sent in his resignation and it has been accepted I suppose he will be at home with his pretty wife in a few days, and Cap^t Patterson of C^o A. has received the commission of Major in the 33^rd Jersey so there will be vacancies for some lucky fellows to fill. I believe I am now about written out & my candle will also be out, so I must now bid you good night and may God bless you all. my love to you & John.

 

[margins]

 

I think you improve in writing so you see if I hadn't gone away you would have forgotten how to write ha, ha.

 

I hope this finds you well

I remain Your Affec Son

Albert C

 

write soon &               

I am well                                             

            ACH

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