Camp of 40^th Mass Vols

May 8^th 1864

 

            Dear Parents:

                                    It is now after dark and we are told that letters can be mailed at tattoo so I will write a few lines. We landed at Bermuda Landing on the James River, just above the mouth of the Appomattox. City Point is just below the mouth.

 

We are five miles from the Landing. We are in the 2^nd Brig. 1^st Div. 10^th A.C. The 18^th Corps is here too and yesterdy they went four miles out and siezed the railroad/ between Richmond and Petersburg, thus cutting the communication between Richmond and N. Carolina They had a fight and the rebs got drove after a White hous content[?]. “Boldy” Smith is here. also old Ben Bolter and Gen Gilmore.

 

I have seen John Spaulding of the 13^th N.H. He is well and looks hole and hearty.

 

There is a very larg force here not less than 40 000 men I presume

 

We are going out early tomorrow morning and take no baggage and only one days rations so shall probably be back tomorrow night. It may a digging party and it may/ be a game of ball.

 

I have seen thousands of long handled shovels up at Gilmores Hd. Qrs.

 

Several regiments were out digging last night.

 

We are within eight miles of Fort Darling and I suspect we shall be up that way one of these days.

 

You will get a tremendous lot of newspaper stories now and I expect you will hear of great victories won by Grants legions both both on the Rapdan and the James Richmond is in danger this time I verily believe

 

It is quite warm and pleasant here now.

 

We threw away our woolen/ blankets when we landed the other day. I have no idea of making a pack mule of myself. An Overcoat and rubber blanket will keep me comfortable this time of year.

 

I have time more to write so I must close.

 

            Give my love to all the family and friends.

 

                                    Very respectfully

                                                            Warren

 

P.S. The flowers I got at West Point give them to Myra no I forgot she was not at home. Do what you like with them. I send a Photograph of Corp A. B. Clark he gave it me. plese preserve it. W.P.S.

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