Newbern N. C. Jan 20^th 63

Tuesday 1½ o'clock P.M.

 

Dear Parents,

                        We are still here at Newbern but we are expecting orders all the time to leave here and go to Beaufort where we are to embark the transports have gone round to that place already. We keep the same drills as usual keep us busy most of the time. I was quite unwell the day before yesterday but feeling well again now. hope I may continue so. The carpenters are at work on the officers barrack, and hopsital yet. We are going to leave most of our things here, box them up I suppose. we take our knapsacks. / with us and one a change of clothes, and what we think we shall need while we are gone. We have most of us drawn new overcoats sky blue our old ones, although they were not worn out, were not safe to go on to the battle field with, because they are of the same color as the rebels uniform. And we run the risk of being shot by our own men as our own were the only regiment that wore coats of that color. I have obtained pictures of some of the company and friends of mine I intend to get more some time, and send home and when I get there myself have them framed or put up in some way to look at, as my old comrads. it is being done to a large extent in this regiment now, by both officers and men exchanging / pictures with each other. I think it is a fine thing.

 

The schooner that we are to go on board of is named Recruit is a fine double decker government vessel fitted up entirely for carrying troops. I suppose the whole regiment will be on board of her. Silas E. is suffering some from a bad cold.

 

Your son            William /

 

 

[note]

 

N. Green         Sergt. WHH Knapp    Sergt.W. Long            

Act. Sergt. Major my particular friend

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