Camp “Troup Artillery” Aug. 20^th 1863

                                                                                                Orange County Virginia

 

My dear Mother

                        This morning I received your truly welcome letter of the 14^th Inst. We are still at our old camp lying idle nothing exciting in the army. Both sides are preparing for the coming struggle. The enemy are endeavoring to strengthening a demoralized and dishearten army. They fear to advance without large reinforcements. Our army is doing very well although I learn many are deserting for the purpose of seeing their families. This is of course the refuse as no highminded man would, in my case, leave his post. I presume even with Grant and additional re-inforcements Genl Lee will not be so easily driven off. I have been very anxious for / Grant and some of his boasted Western soldiers to come here. He will soon be laid on the shelf and his soldiers would be found as willing to give back as any of this Army under Meade. “The Western Soldiers” have never made such bold stands as their brother Yankees in this army; for at the battle of Gettysburg they fought us with the bayonet. Tomorrow we will move about 15 or 20 miles in order to secure better grazing for our horses. I am glad to hear of Pa’s whereabouts and will write to him if an opportunity presents. I hope an exchange of officers will take place at no distant day, and allow him to return home. A system of furloughs has been established for the men. nothing is said in regard to officers and I believe it right as most of them / hve been home since the war while thousands of the men have never seen their homes since the beginning of the war. James Thomas and Mr. Baker are coming from our Company. I will write a letter by “Jim” and will let you know what I want. They will start in a day or so. I received a letter from Bea the other day. Also one from Uncle Jeremiah Cooper, all of his family are well. I would bring Arminius back home—not that there is any danger from bullets but the evil associations in camp will corrupt his morals and besides nothing will make a man reckless so soon as being in the army. They soon become extravagant and profligate so much so that they care no more for money than they do for so much dirt. And I would [omission]/ other day in relation to him. I wonder if he thought it likely he would not see me soon to make such disposition of him as he thought proper. If I get him and he is in, be surprised if he dont have to go soon enough. If thousands of our your men could only be in his place. They would improve themselves while they have a chance. I noticed in the Banner you have lost 1000 dollars. I presume you got it as no mention was made of it in your letter. The weather is much more pleasant than was a few days back. Night very pleasant and in the shade, it is not so bad.

 

If by any means you hear from Pa inform me at once and write often. I write once and sometimes twice every week. Expect to hear from me by Mr. Thomas as I want you to send me some things by him. I have never received the horse you started to me yet. I wrote to Mr. Dent the good order. I may sell him for his value. Fancy horses command high prices. Write soon. Your affectionate

                                                                        C.

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