Camp 10^th Regt. Conn. Vols.

Gloucester Point Va, May 4^th 1864

 

Dear Parents,

                        I have a large sheet of paper but writing on buisness and have so much left so I will finish it by writing to you. These are days of doubt and uncertainty as much so as any we ever saw, not as regards where we are going but when and route we are to pursue. I do not think it will be long now ere we shall be off. we have sent off nearly every thing we have reserving but little here and I shall not be disapointed if we loose that, but if we only take Richmond it will make up all losses of property. there is to be a hard fight for it. the Rebels are concentrating every available man, every eye is looking this way in the Confederacy. They think they are going to win the victory, but their only hope is that Lee's a better General than. would there trust may be one of no avail If R is taken we can truly say the backbone of the rebelion is broken. it will be a great battle and which ever side gains the victory will gain a great one truly / one that will do more toward closeing the war than any thing that has been done yet. my pen is very poor and my light to as it is nearly dark, but if you get letters poorly written, soiled and short, and other wise defective for the next two or three months you must think yourselves lucky; whatever our wills may be we shall have to succumb to the force of circumstances. Only write as often as you can and tell the rest to do same, for that is the most good you can do us and that is a great deal. When we leave here I expect we shall take steamer to Westpoint and there advance on Richmond. Direct most any way and I guess letters will reach us. I recieved a letter and some papers to day. tell Father can use that pen I did not intend to bring it away. he will find it very convenient to carry with him. I felt very sorry to hear that Wallace and his regiment was taken. Adj. Camp has been paroled, went through by Fortress Monroe a few days since Chaplain Turnbull went down to see him

                                                                       

Your affectionate son

William

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