Head Quarters 3^rd Brig. 1^st Div 10^th C.V.

Near Bermuda Hundred Va

May 28^th 1864

 

My Dear Parents,

                        Another beautiful and quiet morning except the occasional discharge of a piece of artillery nearby on our right over toward the rebs just to stir them up a little. I have been over to the signal station on the James river then to the camp of the 1^st Conn Batt this morning. There is a beautiful view from the signal station one can see across the river the large open fields mostly sown with grain which looks as though it were in as fine condition as could be. over the hills, in rear of these as if to protect them, is a line of the enemies works, not near enough I think to reach us, but as the river is very crooked I think they are on the bank of the river / and intended to command it, but know not for certain what is their idea, to whip the Yankees I suppose. last evening we had papers of the 26^th showing that Grant was still successfully pushing the enemy slowly but surely, also of Shermans continued successes in Georgia. every thing is going on nicely now. we have some slight reverses from time to time but they are all more than counterbalanced by the successes of the two great armies under Grant and Sherman. those two armies continuing their successful career, will soon bring the war to a close whatever may happen elsewhere. The rebels now seem inclined to stake every thing on the defense of Richmond, and they know as well as we that the fall of R., their Capitol will be the most fatal blow to their cause, in this, and other countries, that can possibly be struck.

 

            The war may yet close soon enough so that I can see it over before going home this fall. I am sure I hope it may be so the sooner the better / for me and for all.

 

            Our regiment is having plenty to do now as are all the regiments here now. almost constant duty, and have to keep their equipments on all the time it very fatigueing and exhausting it is soon going to wear them all out in my opinion such constant strain on there nerves beside fatigue.

 

            I hardly know what to say about having a few things sent on, there are a few that I want, a few that I begin to need but I do not want them either unless it becomes necessary. I want a new vest and blouse before a great while, and the pair of boots that I sent home, I wish I had here to day, and some more of my collars from the box I sent home I do not know as there is anything else I am particular about in the clothing line. and now what  to do about it I do not know wether to send for things or not I am undecided we are all getting anxious to see the pay master come around for pay day to come / I live very well here but not extra for what it costs. I do not know what it costs just yet but I guess it will be enough, to say the least. We had to turn out this morning at half past three this morning and did not get to bed last evening until after eleven consequently I do not feel as fast for writing this this morning as I otherwise might. and it is getting toward the middle of the day when it is rather warm to write. if you are amind you may put the boots a collars, and if you chose a small piece of cake; the latter is of small consequence, (or a few walnuts) Only a small box now if I think best I send for the other things another time. The blouse I want of some kind of cloth a little stouter than the last I had, as I shall not wear any dress coat just at present, as long as we are without trunks. If you send direct to 10^th C.V. Bermuda Hundred via Fortress Monroe, a small box. Remember me to all the family and friends   Your Son         William

 

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This being on a staff makes it cost much more than it otherwise would but I have it easier

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