Camp Sprague

Washington D.C.

Sunday June 23, 1861

 

Respected Parents

                        I shall take the opportunity of again writing you as I have some news or something new to write about. Early yesterday morning at 3 oclk we turned out to receive the 2^nd R.I. Reg. We formed line and received them each of our companies taking a comp, and gave them a good breakfast. I think that they have a fine set of men although some of them are quite green. They are encamped in the lower part of the grove with us. I find quite a number of old acquaintances among them. As I passed along the line while it was not yet light searching for them the first man I recognized was Corp'l Hawkins. Lewis wrote me that he was coming, but I hardly believed he would. However he is in it and if he does not get tired of it, I'll miss my guess for their task will be harder than ours has been. I like the uniform of the Officers much. Each Reg had a dress parade to night giving each a chance to view the others I supppose that we tried our best to show off. And the decision of the 1200 spectators that were on the / ground was decidedly in our favor. I understand that there is a movement on foot among the citizens of Washington in the shape of a petition, to have us remain 3 months longer, to act as a Home Guard, but I reckon they will have to take the trouble for their pains as it will be almost impossible to get us to stay, at least for my own part I shall say no emphatically, no. I have no doubt that I might get a good situation for 3 years. It is a good pay but I find that I love home better. I have a good reason to believe that we shall leave here on or before the 17^th of July. We may receive marching orders before the week is out, as from the papers I see that there is trouble expected across the river. I went to the city this afternoon, and then heard that the government were moving large cannon across and planting a heavy battery there. About 8000 troops arrived here to day. this is the case every day, so you can judge of the number of military now in and around the city.

 

We have had a resting of two or three days and are now ready for duty again, but I do really think that we shall not be called on again to go out of the city, unless it is really necessary. We are all well. the weather is fine. To day we had a visit from the President / in the forenoon. the two Reg's combined attended service held in the grove and listened to a good discourse from Bishop Clark. Col. Pitman was sent home quite crazy. Capt Pitman his brother went with him as far as New York and I am in command. On our march through Maryland the other day we passed a Reg'mt from Wisconsin the thought entered my head to enquire for Henry Greene. I was informed that there was one of that name there, and that he was from Fondulac. I had no time to hunt him up so Charley and I left our names and learning that they were soon to be in Wash I shall take the earliest opportunity of ascertaining whether it is Cousin or not. I should suppose that Providence looks quite lonesome now, from the number of men that have left there.

 

            Now I have written a considerable, and shall have to close. hoping you enjoy the best of health and that soon we shall meet at home

 

With the best wishes and love I subscribe myself your affectionate son Albert G. Bates. 

 

I received by favor of Lt Bushee a box of figs and some very nice tea for which accept my thanks.

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