Suffolk, Va            April 1^st 1863

 

            My Dear Cousin Frank,

                                                            Here am I again in “Ole Virginny” & in the performance of my duties as a soldier in the U.S. service. I should have written you during our                        I have been                again in an almost                   of                     since I             consisting of               & the               situation of building a house in which to        . Finding that at present it was not intended that our division should go out with the rest of the corps, we commenced to                        , to build up something more               than a              tent, & we set to work accordingly, & with narrow                split from pine logs for the           of the building, & our tents for a roof, we have constructed quite a house, somewhat             ing        a/                    , either one, will       

                 .

The weather was pleasant for about one day after I got back, & then we had a snow storm, & chilly rainy cold weather rendering it unpleasant enough for a few days, but for a few days back it has been beautiful, warm as summer, & vegetation is coming forward fast. I don’t know as I have anything in particular to write. All sorts of rumors are continually                   about camp. Tuesday we are going to Fortress Monroe to do guard duty, the next to North Carolina, to aid Gen Foster, next, all the troops must be kept here that possibly can be, for Longstreet is said to be marching on the place with sixty thousand , &              positive           to         to the                          circulation. I have long since learned to pay no attention to them. When the order comes to pack up & fall into line, then                       begin to start. But                              be not too hasty, nor un          /destroy the conveniences you have                       in for yourself (as is too generally the case) for ten chances to one before you get a dozen rods from camp, the orders will be countermanded. Wouldn’t you like to livethis kind of a life? not knowing what             or what hour you might have to                                  &start. I got back here just in time to sign the           for our             I wish I could write  something interesting to you, but I don’t see as I can. I suppose you are having vacation now, & doubtless enjoying yourself finely. I would like to be with you. wouldn’t I                             always to                                 , that is, in one sense, if he is where he ought to be which is where he might                  /

 

                                                                        Your aff cousin

                                                                                    Kirt

 

                                                                        April 23^rd

It is nearly two weeks since I commenced this letter. I had scarcely finished it at that time, when my ears were greeted with the sound of the long roll, & the announcement that the rebels were approaching with a strong force. Of coure we were turned out double quick. I just shut this letter in any portfolio & into my knapsack & there it has been ever since. We were hurried down to the breastworks where we have been all the time when not on picket, or fatigue duty, & this is the first chance I have had to get at my knapsack. So far our artillery has effectually kept the enemy at bay & they have not been able to plant a single gun so as to do us any material damage, & All I have to say is, if they attempt to storm this place it will prove to them what Fredericksburg did to nd

                                                                                                In haste, Kirt

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