Camp on Minors Hill Va

Sunday Nov. 30 1862

 

Respected Parents,

                        I was most agreeably surprised on Thanksgiving day by receiving from you a box containing a nice dinner. I had not the least idea or knowledge of its being sent, until I opened the box from Edith, and read her letter.

 

            Everything came in good shape and I assure you, was very acceptable, and for which accept my heartfelt thanks. It brought to my mind the many pleasant scenes on similar occasions which have passed at home.

 

It would have done you good to have seen, on the arrival of the boxes, the eagerness of the men to obtain their boxes. Such running and scrambling first to the Quarter Masters, get the box, then to the Capt's with it to be examined by him to find the liquors if any there are Then to the tents to be examined and contents tested by the owners

 

In our mess we had 5 boxes. I had two. Henry Miller one. Weaver one. Freeman one. 3 turkeys, one chicken, boiled ham, 4 cakes 16 mince pies / beside butter, tea, sugar, cheese, preseves and other eatables too numerous to mention. We shall live high for some time to come. I dont know how the companies in general fared. Our company had about 25 boxes. Co I had 60. There were 5 wagon loads arrived about 12 oclk Thanksgiving eve and 3 load on the day. It was so distributed as every man had some.

 

The Col could not rest easy and let the men have all the day to themselves but must have a Battallion drill in the forenoon including religious services.

Our Company came off guard in the morning so we escaped it. In the evening Gen Cowdin and Staff, with all the Line officers of the Brigade excepting the Lieutenants, were entertained by Col. Pitman in his quarters, which is a large log house about 40 foot square I think. Everything passed off pleasantly as far as I could learn.

 

            We are now very comfortably situated having nearly all something like a log hut with the tent set upon it and a small sheet iron stove about 12 x 16 to head up with these answer our purpose very well for cooking, two boiler holes on them. The stove with 2½ feet pipe they charge $3 dollars for. We have the camp always in good order and have gained fast in discipline and drill. Have been complimented several times by the General. 

 

            How Pitman will succeed I dont know but the reg do not like him and I dont believe they ever will. We all regretted very much the resignation of Col Metcalf but it could not be helped. The health of the Reg is very good compared with the others around us. It is quite a cold place where we are but healthy. We have been packed once for marching, but are still here. We have not yet put up substantial winter quarters for we cannot find out whether we are to stay here or not. The Connecticut reg are doing nothing but building they are putting up nice log houses. they are sure to stay. The 40^th Mass are expecting to go with Banks Rumors are afloat in our camp that we are to go into Washington to do Provost guard duty. I have not been to the city yet. We have been mustered for pay once but have not yet received any. To morrow ends the second month from home. I had a letter from Prel the other day. I have mailed him two. Have you heard from Lewis yet. I have not. Who have you to work for you? Got plenty of work? I have to close now for it is near dress Parade. Give my love to all. would like to hear from them often Love to Roxellana and family would be glad to hear from them. 

 

W^m Ayer is still alone with his Company that is he is still in command of it with one Lieut. he is well and has a good Company.

                       

Write soon and accept this from your

Affectionate Son

Albert

 

Love to Susan and Walter

tell Susan to write

 

 

From Albert Bates

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