Portsmouth Va. July 20^th 1863

 

                                                                                                You was very kind to write Court. while you were suffering so much. A bad Headache!! A good sign at sometimes!! Well Darling tell us about it next time you write Give us the assurance that it is all right I wish Oh how much that I could have been at home with you. It is warm & pleasant here to day everything is gay & festive I have been in Norfolk all day my duty is there at present I was detailed to impress all the unemployed “Niggers” in this department They are to be sent to Washington to work in the Quarter Master’s department I have been about it now since Friday I do just as much or little as pleases me best I have ten men to assist me & I wear a sword now, non Commissioned though. To day we received a visit from Maj Gen. Foster the new Commander of this department He takes the place of Gen. Dix who is to take command in New York Col. Steer of the 4^th R. I. V. has returned & he being Senior Col takes command of the Brigade in place of Col Dutton who will have to return to the command of the Regt I do not know what change that will bring about with us but I hope we shall not have to leave here I do not know but I shall make a trip to Washington this week I hope so & then I should just like to keep right on untill I get home, But I can’t/ I think I had rather stay here with the pay of a Sergt, than to be in the field with shoulder straps on. Oh! what Glorious times we could have if you were only here Well darling I must close Give my love to Annie Augusta Staples & all other Good Girls Tell all drafted men that I am glad of it

 

                                                            Good Morning

                                                                        Court.

SOURCES