Providence May 6^th 1861

 

My dear Bates:

                        I can hardly realize that you are at Washington, while I look around and find myself at home, surrounded by an affectionate wife & children. But I just begin to sense what the state of my mind must have been, while with you, you know doubt can tell some queer things & actions not altogether what they should have been, & as I become rested I feel a prostrating sense of exaustion, not pain but sleep! sleep! [?] like death, takes possession of every faculty. But thanks to the great director of all things, I am fast recovering my usual energy & quickness of thought, and I have this to say to you, that if during my excitement I said, or done any thing to wound your feelings or cause a moments pain forgive it. You must feel that it was not intended. We may never meet again, but let us hope for better results therefrom. I feel anxious lest I possibly did wound the feelings of some of my officers, & if so I am just the man to ask their pardon. I trust that I have never so far forgoten myself. Now my dear boy allow me to say a word to you and Brother Day, Be Careful and maintain the strictest discipline, do not be envious of other commands / What I mean is do not allow yourselves to think that the Rifles allways come in last, for that is not the fact, I know that you are respected by at least the line officers, & think you are by the Captains. But let that be as it may, do your duty, be strict but kind with your men then let an offence pass without an immediate settlement, try and keep the men from drink all you can, & I feel satisfied that the state of Rhode Island will be proud before you return that she sent so gallant & patriotic sons to do battle for her Country's Flag. Take this advice as I know you would, did I stand before you, kindly and with my best wishes for your advancement and happiness. When I shall return to you again I cannot tell, it will depend somewhat upon my health Oh! Boys it is worse than any sickness, worse than any pain I ever felt before, to be parted from you. It is like parting Brothers, who have stood side by side through scenes of danger or of joy. I had rather have been shot & have your kind glances & rough [?] to cheer me to health, than to be at home and absent from you in the enjoyment of health. But I have learned "that what so ever a man doeth, let him do it with all his might." also that man may plan, but God will direct." I will not sermonize but I feel truth & justice will prevail and our country flag will still wave or the land of the Free & Brave 

 

Bates you must send me at immediately the returns of our Election in April, as the nominations go before the legislature next Monday, & if I do not here from you before that time I shall have to make it out from memory. do not forget it, send the roll of the Companys G & A, as we want to know what families to assist and also want the names framed & hung up in the Armory. All the families are well Tell Mr Lord to send my baggage to me at once as I want some shirts, coats & vest. You will keep such of the books as you want. The Comissary (i.e. Cole) has my "Mass." digest, which please get. I want the miniatures of all the officers separate to hang in the officers room, dont forget it, do it at once. Give my love to Willie, and kiss the officers for me. If I could see you now, as well as I am this morning, I fear that the hugging would put the girls to shame. Write me tell all the news you can, consistent with your position, & believe me to be your

Friend & Comrade, with you, in absent.       

 

David A Peloubet

77 Elm Street            Providence

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