Bivouac of Co G. 21^st C.V.

Near Newport N.C.

 

Dear Wife

                        I wrote you last on the afternoon that we left Newport News Va. Since then many changes have taken place with us I was in hope that we should have staid in our winter quarters untill late in the Spring but we were not so fortunate I must give you a complete history of our journeyings since leaving camp I wrote you that we we ordered to leave with ten days rations at first we supposed that we should not break up camp but go in light marching order/but we were soon ordered to take every thing & embark on board the ocean steamer L. R. Spaulding which by the way is a spendid steamer We soon got ready & within 5 hours had three days rations cooked & were on board One man belonging to Co. E. fell overboard & was drowned while going on board I went below & was soon asleep The next morning went on deck & found ourselves well out to sea having passed the capes about daylight Began to suspect that our destination was some place in North Carolina During the day passed Hatteras the wind freshening it began to grow rough a few cases of sea sickness—

 

By night I began to realize what it was to be on board an Ocean transport with a Regiment crowded in the hold about one half vomiting. Still there were many laugable incidents to such as myself that were not sick. About 12 oclock at night I found went on deck & found that we had arrived of the inlet but could not go inside till daylight on account of crossing the bar. It was blowing heavy & one could hardly stand on deck but still I was not at all afraid as I knew we were on a safe craft The next morning we went safely in to the Dock at Morehead City/There we found them all panic stricken. A rebel force had moved down on Newbern & part of the force had attacked the 9^th Vt. Regt stationed on the Rail road leading from there to Morehead City to Newberne ten miles from the former place Had fought a few minuets & then run burning the barracks with all their stores destroying the Guns in the fort They retreated a round about way & came into Beaufort which is across the bay from Morehead They had crossed over to the latter place & were throwing up earthworks with their pickets just in sight outside the town We did remain long in town berfore it was decided to send out a reconortering force consisting of all the force there including the 21^st CV 9^th Vt about 20 Cavalry force & one piece of Artillery You may judge I expected to see fun—

 

talk about my kissing the women I dont see one I never saw but one or two in the whole city of Washington nevertheless some of the boys found a Whore House in the city & they say patronised it But never fear for my virtue I dont think of such things out here despite you proplexities to the contrary You wrote of thinking & dreaming about me. it is the same with me you are constantly in my mind sometimes rendering me almost unfit for duty But if they will let me win them I will come home with Laurels to Mary—If we do not have to go into the Battle now fighting (which there is no probability we shall) I don’t think we shall see any fighting before next winter We shall be ready when they call us into the/field the men are devotedly attached to the Col. & will fight well under him there is not much respect for the captains but the Col is every thing The Generals out here speak highly of him When at home I thought they praised the officers to much & said to little about the men But now I see that every thing depends upon having good officers & thank God we have got one

 

                        But enough about things here let me talk about North Stonington How does Geo. Stillman enjoy married life has Sam. Avery got over his fears about the draft is Dick Wheeler living if so give my very best respects/to him My best wishes for the prosperity of the Shunoc Lyceum & all other local institutions the Second Babtist Church Sabbath School & all

 

                                                                                                            5 oclock P.M

Dear Mary

                        I have just arrived in camp and am detailed to go on Picket Duty this is the first time our Regiment have had to do Picket duty we are going out about 5 miles I expect we shall see fun before we get back Clint & Ed Wheeler Chas Staples go to

 

Good Bye in great haste but none the less

C G Stanton

Direct as before

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