Camp Metcalf Va                  

March 20^th /63.

 

Respected Parents.

                        I received by favor of Capt Moury a small package from you containing a pair of socks, two collars, and two handkerchiefs, and some gum drops from Walter, for all of which accept my heartfelt thanks. You have no doubt received mine informing you of my promotion to a Lieutenant. I suppose you had seen it in the daily papers. I understood it was reported. I have been in Washington for a week. there is a great form to go through in receiving a promotion after receiving a commission. In the first place I have to be mustered out as a Sergt. and take papers which bring the back pay. then I have to be mustered in again as Lieut and get a muster roll. After doing all this they take their own time in paying all this. I am assigned to Co C. but shall not commence my duties until next week. To day I rec'd the first letter from Lewis. he is well and commenced another term with his school. He says he received a paper from you with the presentation in it. He finds good hunting and fishing there. He has not heard from Prele yet. We are still doing guard duty at the / the prospect looks good for us to remain here. Col Church came to the camp to day for the first time. he did not remain but a short time and returned to Washington I think Pitman will resign. we hardly dare to hope so. How does the conscription act affect the people in R.I. we hear that large bounties will be paid to prevent drafting. it seems this bounty system has caused some hard feelings among the old troops.

 

The 7^th & 12^th Regiments are quite amift at the idea of the 11^th being kept at guard duty while they are at the front, but who is to blame for that certainly not we for we have frequently made the assertion that the front is preferable to the duty we are now doing. To march every week would not be as tedious as this. our rest would be more regular and certainly no more fatiguing. I should have written more regular if my time had not been so fully occupied. I shall write as often as I possibly can and I would like to hear as often from you. Hereafter direct letters to Lieut A.G. Bates Co D 11^th Reg R.I. Vols. Washington D.C. do not put the letter of the Company on at present

 

I must close now with the best wishes for your health and with love to all. My health is good.

                                                                       

From your affectionate Son

Albert.

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