Camp of the 14^th N.J. Vols

Danville, Va. May 6^th 1865.  

 

Dear Parents

                        It is a very warm day but as it will be but little exertion I will pen you a few lines. I dont know whether I will ever be content to settle down to hard labor again or not, such as clerking. I imagine it would nearly kill me to be shut up in a store for a couple of weeks, weighing out family groceries. But I must begin to study up some plan for making the cents, and I suppose the dollars will take care of themselves as they always have. But I have made up my mind that my friends have got to keep me for awhile. if not, I have another plan to work upon. I will put up my canvass on Sandy Hook & make a living from the river, fishing clamming &c. and that is just what would suit me for awhile. I think I would soon recruit up. But to the news of the day, there is nothing current of any importance. I hear the Army is to be discharged by the first of June. I expect the old Sixth will be the last Corps to be mustered out of Service. It is also reported that we are to march through to Washington. If that should prove to be the fact, I think I would about reach the famous Capital next winter some time, and it looks very much like it for they are going to discharge several out of our Reg^t for disability, three out of my Company.

 

            There are about thirty recruits in one of the companies that have never been armed yet, they came to the Regiment at / Burkesville and I dont believe they will ever carry a gun some of them got their $1400. I tell you it looks mean to me, to think that we should come out here and do all the fighting & somebody that never fired a gun get all the pay for it. But so goes the world. It is one satisfaction to know that the men who came out in /62 came not for money but I am going to have it out of the State of New Jersey if the Good Father spares my life

 

            It was reported here in the Regiment some time ago that Judge Fredenburg & several prominent citizens of Freehold were making efforts to raise a bounty for the survivors but now that the war is over I dont suppose they will give us a thought. I dont ask any odds of them anyhow, I'm poor but I am plagued independent.

 

            We dont have anything much to do here but Picket duty & that is nothing for there is no enemy in our front any more. they have been swept away and thanks be unto God for bringing a stronger & I trust a better people. The great curse of slavery no longer hangs above the heads of the American People. It now may be called a free nation. Capt. Conover came to the Company day before yesterday. he is settling up his company business and goes back home next Monday. I have been writing for him. give my love to Grandma, tell her to have a sugar cake ready for me by the time I get home. My love to Sister Addie & best respects to any friends

 

                        & hoping soon to hear from you I remain Your loving & Affec son Al

           

May Heaven guard over& bless you all & in the end save you through the Redeemer Jesus.

SOURCES