P.S. Jim has gone to shoot a pig for our dinner.

25.                  

Camp Benton Oct 23^d 1861

           

Dear Father.

                                    I received your letter dated Oct 10 this morning. Night before last we were ordered up to Conrad ferry we went up there and crossed the river to the Island, the Island is about 7 miles long reaching from Edwards ferry a bout 3 miles above Conrads ferry. we crossed to the Island and learned that the Tammany and 20^th and 15^th Mass Regts met with a repulse from the enemys forces and lost a good many men and a house on the Island used for a hospital was full of wounded. It was a hard sight to see the poor fellows laying there some with arms and some with legs and some with hands shot off. The way of it, was / this. The only method of crossing the river was in some old mud scous which had to be poled by the men, and after getting across the men had to ascend a steep hill covered with bushes and at the top of the hill was a plain. well the rebels waited until about 1500 men had got up on the plain under the command of Gen Baker of California who neglected to send out skirmishers and when our troops had formed into column, poured a volley into both flanks and the front. this disconcerted them and broke ranks but rallied again and called for reinforcements but as fast as they crossed the river they were picked of by the enemy and after about an hour what wa'nt killed and didnt escape surrendered: The 20^th lost about 2 thirds of their number and the 15^th lost about ½ of their men and so you see that the rebels had the / advantage of us there. we recrossed the river last night and came back to camp after loseing two nights sleep. The first night we were up thare we were on picket and did not eat any thing from day before yesterday noon until last night. And I tell you raw salt pork hard crackers and water went down with a relish. Yesterday morning while lying in a rifle pit I saw 3 officers come down to water their horses I told sargeant Smith who was with me I wanted to fire. he said let her rip. I sighted my gun and fired. he fell back and was caught by his companions and his horses gallopped off over the hill. I dont know as I hit but I am mighty sure that he can't do duty yet. last night we marched back to camp through all the mud and a nastier set of fellows you never see I'll bet you a quarter. But now Ill turn to the / news of your letter which was very interesting. I received those papers you sent and was very glad you sent them also I have received every paper and letter you have sent so far. If you wish to send me out some things box them up and send them by Adams & Co's Express to my direction at Washington and when a Regt wagon goes down they will bring it up. I should like a couple of handkerchiefs and a pair of mittens and some tobacco and if you will send me my little brier wood pipe mother knows which one I should like it much. We shall be paid off the 6^th of Nov for two months the Gov. keeps 2 dollars of each months pay back so I shall get 22.00 I owe $7.00 that will leave me $15.00 I shall send home $10.00 of it. Jim says he shall not write untill he receives a letter from home. Regiment after Regiment is pouring across the river at Edwards ferry and we expect to go soon. The sutler of this Regt sell lower than any sutler round here by he has to sell high for he carries his stuff a good ways or buys of the farmers round here. Give my love to mother and the baby like wise to all the folks and now thanking you for you kind letter I will close mine.       

George. H. Patch.

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