Camp 10^th Conn Vol. Inf

Deep Bottom Va.

July 13^th 1864

 

My Dear Parents,

                        I recieved yours of July 9^th last evening, was glad to hear from you, that you were all well.

 

            The regiment is on picket to day. went out last evening, but I was on duty in camp as officer of the day and was not relieved until this morning, so that I have all day to myself in camp, which should be time enough to write one letter certainly. But some way I do not feel much like writing, feel a great deal more like sleeping. we had a fine shower last evening and today it is some cooler but the air is close, not such as is likely to make one feel particularly bright /

I hope Richard Carpenter may come this way for we should all be glad to see him. it would be pleasant to see one so recently from home.

 

            It is very difficult getting any thing that is fresh here, such as vegetables or fruit

 

            Night before last an expedition consisting of 50 volunteers from this regiment and a detachment from the 3^rd Penn. Art. went up the river opposite to the position we used to occupy before we moved to this point, to where there was a mill and a number of buildings barns &c. in which quantities of grain were stored. Just at day break they charged the position, captured a lieutenant and fifteen men who were posted there, and burned the mill and all the other property there about. one of the prisoners said that one of the barns contained 2000 bushels shelled corn / the mill was a large brick building and was in daily use there was also a blacksmiths shop there all were destroyed.

 

            Near there they captured a waggon with a large torpedo in and a large quantity of powder to fill, and a galvanic battery to be used in exploding it. all these were brought off and sent to General Butler, and without the loss of a man on our side, only one of the rebels being wounded. Last week we were engaged in removing a large quantity of corn from below here, to be issued to Kautz and Wilsons Raiders, their horses being so run down that something more than the regular ration was required to bring them up. those that went down there got some very fine pears. I have not been detailed for any of these yet. Sergt. Holmes had charge of the detachment of men charged with firing the buildings / the other night. He is as efficient non commissioned officer as is in the regiment, and will yet win a name for his bravery. He has already done worthy deeds which can not long go unnoticed.

 

            Our Brigadier now is General R. S. Foster, a very good officer I guess, so far as we can judge, although the men all think they like Col Plaisted better. Colonel Otis is improving. I hope he will soon be on duty again.

 

            I wrote Miss Mather a while ago telling her if she went north this summer, that she must go and call on you. she was either north at the time or arrived about that time. I hear now that she has recieved my letter. I expect to hear from her soon, hope she will decide to come and see you. The boys are all as well as usual. In fact the health of the Regt. is excellent.

                                                           

Your affectionate Son

William

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