Camp of the 14th N.J. Vols
Manchester, Va. May 19th 1865.
Dear Parents
Being at leisure for the present I will drop you a few lines to inform you that I am still blessed with good health, trusting in the gracious mercies of God, you are enjoying the same privilege.
As time rolls onward so does the 6th Corps toward our National Capital, but we are not moving very fast at the present time. But we bid adieu to the fair town of Danville day before yesterday and arrived at Manchester yesterday morning having taken the train. we / along the bank of the James opposite Richmond for four or five hours, then went into camp outside the city of Manchester where we are to remain until our wagon train comes up, when we will push on for Washington I think. You must excuse this poor writing for my pen I guess has served in the Rebellion for the past four years. If we remain here for a few days I shall procure a pass to visit the great city of Sodom, although we will have to pass through the town before we leave here, but I want to go over on Belle Isle & around to the principal places which will long be remembered by those of our brave Boys who were so unfortunate as to / be Prisoners of War & survive their imprisonment. But from what I have already seen of the city, it is a splendid place and much superior to our National Capital, the streets are better laid out. But the nicest part of the city was burned also the Rail Road Bridge across the river was destroyed I saw the old Confed. Capitol & the Statue of Washington in front. those I saw from across the river. we have free access to the town of Manchester, also to the river I must go down tonight & take a swim. I should have gone last night but as we had been in camp but a short time my duties would / not allow me to leave. I am Acting Sergt Major. I am daily expecting my commission as Captain Company G. I was recommended some time ago. I will get it I guess about the time we are mustered out then I dont want it. Charlie is well and wishes to be remembered to all. I think it is most time I heard from you. it has been over a week since I have had a letter. if you cannot write, let Addie pen me a few lines. I am anxious to learn how John is. I told you in my last that I had a letter from Adam & he told me that John was sick. I am afraid that is the reason you dont write. Do write soon
May God bless you, I pray this may find you in good health
Your loving Son
Albert
My love to Addie