Camp near Poplar Grove Church Va.

Oct. 10-1864

 

My Dear Friends.

                        Having a few spare moments I thought that I would write you a few lines. I received yours of the [blank] just before we moved here to the left, so that I have not had time to answer before. We have been having some very cold weather for the last few days. My ankle is about the same. The other five companies are here they came down to the Regt on the first just after the fight on the 30. I lost two men wounded in my company. one man killed out of the Regiment We had a very wet time out here but are now haveing some very pleasant but cold weather The Regiment just came in from Battallion Drill. They are putting these new companies through. I have / got 23 new recruits in my company. I have been quite busy drilling them.

 

Oct 11 I expect Capt Holton will be here in a day or two. then I will not have so much to do.

 

            I suppose Aunt Lydia has gone by this time, if I write her a little something—Galesburg Ill. care Saml. Hitchcock it will reach her.

 

2 P.M. I had to stop as the Co books came up and I had to go to work settling up clothing accts for the company and other Co buisness. I hardly have time to eat as the books are here only a certain length of time and now the mail is ready to go out I hardly think it will go to day My foot is troubling me so that I cannot do full duty. the Col. wont let me do it I am on light duty around camp. I went out the other day and it made it so much worse that I will have to keep quiet for some time.

 

I have started to write 5 different letters and have not had a chance to finish if you can read this you will do well.

 

            The Battallion is out drilling under Col Brutleff. they had a very good drill yesterday. Maj Gen Mead & Staff just rode along the lines.

 

More next time—write soon and dont wait for me yours as ever

Frank M Phelps

 

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My best respects to all who enquire

Frank

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