Newburg Feb 7^th 1862

 

            We are still here in our dreary camp dear wife, with little beside mud and rain. The brightest time of the day is the arrival of the mail when we all expect letters from dear ones at home. I have been more fortunate than any of our mess, for neither Col Constable or Major Riley have received but one letter each from their wives, whilst I have received quite a number. They look upon my letters I have no doubt with envy, but only laugh and say that I must not crow over them. I tell them it is all right, for they know I have the best little wife that ever man was blessed with. Yesterday no letter came but I feel very certain of one today. I have written to all of the children in turn. My last letter was to Sattie in which I urged her strongly not to go / to St Louis. Burnet wrote me some bad things he had heard about Mr Oglesby & some of the female portion of the family, and if they are true Sattie ought not to be with them. I am very sorry that she stays so much in town, and yet I suppose it is but natural, for a young girl to wish to see as much of society as possible. We must bear with her, and when she has seen the folly of all this we can win her back again to heaven. How much I wish dear wife you could recall her to your side, and counsel and guide her in the right path. I shall not forget to have you with me whenever I can, but it would be folly to have you come here. We are in the mud, knee deep, and under marching orders, which we may be called upon to execute at any moment in the day or night. Our men I am glad to say seem / to be cheerful & happy even in spite of all the rain and mud. I have found a field on the top of one of the mountains about half a mile from camp which is large enough for battalion drill. I have had three drills and this afternoon will have the regiment out again. The men enjoy the firing with blank cartridges very much; but I am sorry to say that Flash has proved quite restive under fire. He jumps about like a colt. I practice firing from his back with my pistol but I have not yet succeeded in making him bear it quietly. He is improving however, and in a few days no doubt he will learn to behave himself properly. The roan horse has not yet been tried. The other horses belonging to the field officers do not mind the firing but very little. Flash has so much spirit that / he is more difficult to manage.

 

I believe as yet I have not written you how our mess was made up. Remembering your injunction in regard to our Chaplain we have taken in the Adj^t, Mr Hopper to complete the four, and this leaves him to provide for himself. He is thus entirely alone for the Surgeons mess by themselves down in the town of Newburg, & I do not know what will become of our friend when we march.

 

Many thanks dear wife for my watch. I believe I am more pleased with it than with my gold one. It is very neat and for the past day since it was received has kept excellent time. I have plenty of clothes of all kinds, so far, and keep perfectly warm. If you knit me any more socks get the double twisted yarn. They say here it wears longer than the other, although not so fine. George says he can darn sock, and I intend to set him at work, as my obstinate toe has already made holes in three pair of my / socks. Do not imagine that I am in want, for I am not atall. I have on now the socks given me by your Aunt Mildred and I find the painted toe seems to accommodate my great toe, so that it cannot poke a hole through. Tell John that my pistols are splendid. They shoot with great accuracy, and are by all odds the finest in camp. My pistols and my watch are my pets just now. I can fire from with great rigidity, and considerable accuracy in spite of his jumping about. Today I am going to try him again & if he still proves too fretful I will have him tied according to the Rosey system, that is throw him down & fire over him when down until he becomes perfectly quiet. This will no doubt cure his nervousness entirely. 

 

I must quit as the men have gone out under Major Riley to fire at a target and my horse is ready to take his part in the show.

 

            Give my love to John & Mildred and all their family with kisses and love for Jane & our children. May God bless and protect you all dear wife, and bring us again together in peace & happiness.

                                                                                   

Your loving husband

N. C. M^cLean

 

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