Camp of 12^th Conn. Vols. near

City Point Va. July 20^th 64

 

Brother Andrew

                        I employ a few moments in writing you to day it being the first chance I have had since I receved your letter I am well at present and hope this will find you all the same I suspose you will no dout be susprised when you come to hear that the 12^th Regt is in Virginia but such is the fact we left New Orleans July 8^th on the St. Alabama had fine weather till we reached Hatterass whare we experienced bad weather untill we entered Chespeak Bay and being on a common river steamer such as they use on the North River we came / near being lost I thought the damed old thing would goe to pieces one while any way but as good luck would have it we arrived at Fort Monroe safe and was ordered to Washington whare we arrived July 16^th marched out through the city and stoped till the next day when we got orders to march back and take the St and report to Butler we arrived here last night in camp on the James R above City Point I expect we shall goe to the front as soon the hole Corps gets here which will be in a few days it is about 6 miles to Butlers forces I havent benn here long anough to learn what is going on to the front I had rather bad luck in Washington I lost my napsack with evry thing I had except what I had on I dont know as I have much to say in regard to what you wrote about how the boys / acted at home I dont think you can tell me much about them all I have got to say is soldiers are the meanest class of people thare is I dont think of much more at present only I calculate to keep well to the rear espacaly when thare is any fighting I send a cotton blossom that growed in Louisiana I expect the next you will hear of me will be in Richmond I can hear the roar of cannons here plane which indicates somthing going on in the way of dealing out death and destruction I dont think of any more write soon you get this and give the lates news

                                                                                               

Yours Respectfully

J K Bitgood

To A. J. Bit

 

Direct Co G 12^th Conn Vols 1^st Div

19^th Army Corps Fortress Monroe

(Via)                Va.

(Bermuda Hundred

 

[overleaf]

 

Joel K Bitgood

Co G 12 Reg CV

first Division 19

Army Corps

Fortress Monroe

 

A. J. Bitgood

            Providence

                        R.I.                                          B.B.

SOURCES