Camp 10^th Regt. Conn Vols

Deep Bottom Va.

July 24^th 1864

 

My Dear Parents,

                        I have recieved a letter dated at Comstock Landing July 19^th saying that Mother was on her way to see Cornelia at North Granville, and about the trip as far as that place.

 

            I suppose Cornelia will home with them when they return

 

            I expect I shall have hard work to get out of the service this fall; they seem very unwilling to let any one get out of the service that there is any possible way of keeping. It does not seem to me that it is a very good policy / But they seem to be resorting to all sorts of ways keep officers. Some of who resigned a few days since, were dismissed for offering their resignation in the face of the enemy when they had re-enlisted. having been home with veterans it was considered they had re-enlisted. Is the men at the north so run out, is the government so weak and in want of men so much, that a man after serving three years and wishing to go home, can not be allowed to go without being dismissed. is not a man entitled to an honorable discharge after serving honestly and faithfully three years, being exposed to all the fatigue and hardships incident to a three years service, that government can not say to him go and welcome. And what will be the influence of such a / course. It will breed discontent in the army army officers, that and the way volunteer officers are used now by those interested in regular service, will lead many men not to accept of commissions. Then a tax of ten per cent which government is about to impose, on a salary already to small, is another source of discontent. Why, I really believe any man is better off in the ranks, in the long run. But the course they have adopted does not stop officers from resigning nor will it as long as they can get out that way they will, not considering it any great disgrace to them either, after three years service.

 

            I should not think government would uphold such a course; although General Butler might adopt it. 

 

Silas E. is well as are the rest of the boys, I believe.

 

            Some of the 19^th Corps came over here last evening. one Brigade is all I believe that have arrived here yet. Some more are out Bermuda Hundred.

 

            This morning while visiting the picket line the General officer of the day Lieut. Col. Hooper 24 Mass. Vols. passed outside the lines and was captured by the rebels. Major General Birney has been assigned to the command of the 10^th Army Corps, consequently General Terry takes his division again, General Foster his Brigade, Col. Plaisted his regiment &c. he has not relieved me yet. I am waiting for him he has got what is called the star fever very bad (would be Brigadier). it is very common complaint among Colonels.

                                                                       

Your son

William

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