Portsmouth Va.

                                                                                                            Sept 18^th 1863.

 

            Dear Wife

                                    I received your letter of the 13^th to day. I should have written you before but was waiting not to have at letter from you but to see how things came out with that appointment. But as for that I have waited in vain thus far. The matter remains just as it did when I wrote you last. I am told I shall have the appointment and to expect the order every day but still it does not come. Hawkins I find is to “play second fiddle” There being a 1^st Lieut. over him but I could get the appointment of/him as soon as of Hawkins, his having a commission does not cause me to think any more of him than I used to All I care for the place now is so that you might be with me for if I should get it I should “contrive” to have you come & I think my expenses would not be much more than they are now. Except your being with me I care nothing about the Position now I was speaking to the Capt about going & he advised me not to go said I should find it for my interest to stay with the Co. Capt Kenyon advised me to stay with the Co—/

 

John with two other Orderlys & the Sergt. Major are to be examined next Sunday to see which of them is to fill the vacancy now existing in the Regt. I am on Guard to day & it is raining beautifully the “Line Storm” “I reckon” I will write if I get detailed as soon as it happens—Thursday I witnessed the first execution In my life. I will send you a paper containing the details You must not let the Widow Maine make you mistrust me John & me now board at a private house It seems very much like home

                                                                                    Good bye

                                                                                                Court.

SOURCES