Suffolk Va. 21^st April 1863.

 

                        My own Darling Mary.

                                                I received your letter of the 12^th on Sunday Since I wrote you last there has been a great many changes The enemy moved forward onto Suffolk & we had to change camp We were ordered back to the old camp near the City about ten oclock one night We came off without striking tents I left all my things Knapsack and all but the next day I volenteered to go back with a party to Guard the teams I remained at the fort with the party two days when we were ordered to strike the tents/& leave as soon as possible After Since rejoining the Reg. I have had but little rest Nights we have lain in the rifle pits & days we have worked in the trenches. This place is a perfect Giboralter The Rebs. are on all sides of us but do not seem to want to attack Night before last three Regs. crossed the river & took a Reb Battery opposite the fort we were building our loss was three killed & seven wounded we took 6 pieces of Cannon & 135 prisoners The enemy are reported to be in strong force But all we want of them is for them to attack us We will show them a Fredericksburg (on our side though/this time) The night that we moved All the officers wives were to have arrived but hearing of the disturbance they did not come any farther than Norfolk. They have all gone back home now after arriving within 25 miles & then have to go back without seeing their hubands was not that rather hard? I will send home my picture in a few days if nothing happens Enclosed I send Ten Dollars I will send more if you receive this all straight We were paid some days ago but I have been waiting for the flurry to be over with/

 

You are; as you supposed Mistress of my affairs at home & I hope you will have me there with you some time. to The furlough business has played out for the present I hope to get one some time though and then I will talk with you about Some folks that are doing as they have a mind to now. Their game will be up when I get home Speaking of the Gov. I am and always have been for Ruckersham I voted for him last year & should have done so this year had I been at home I will write again soon Dont wait for me to write but write often                                                                   C G Stanton

Via Fortress Monroe

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