Adjt 27^th New Jersey Vols

                                                                                                9^th Army Corps

                                                                                                            via Cincinnati Ohio

                                                                        Somerset Ky May 24^th 1863

 

Dear George and Jesse.

                                    You will, I am sure, excuse me for my apparent neglect, in not writing to you before, Knowing as you do the cause

 

            Your several letters, together with the Atlantic, (April and May) have safely reached me, and were very acceptable, especially as my sickness rendered any news or communications from home and friends doubly welcome.

 

            I was taken sick at or near “Camp Dick Robinson” March 29^th but remained with my regiment until the 11^th of April when orders having been received to move, I was taken to a private house where I remained until April 30^th. I then went to Lexington where I remained until May 11^th when I started for Stanford which place I reached the same / day. Was obliged to remain in Stanford on Tuesday, but having succeeded in obtaining a conveyance I started to join my regiment on Wednesday 13^th reached Somerset in the evening and found my “Gallant 27^th” within a few rods of the town.

 

            I remained in Camp from Wednesday until the following Monday, when having suffered from an attack of diarhea it was deemed advisable for me to take lodgings at a private house, where I could procure food more suitable than I could in camp; accordingly I moved my quarters to the house from which I now write. The diarhea has entirely left me, but I think I shall remain where I am for two or three weeks; I am not quite strong enough to resume my duties as Adjutant and I might as well stay where I can be more comfortable as to remain in camp doing nothing. My health is good all traces (save the effects) of my disease / have left me, but I am still quite weak.

 

            I gain daily in strength and I have no doubt of being able to mount my noble steed and ride at the head of the regiment in its advance on home: that will be glory won’t it? We expect to return on or about the 19^th of next month; we will go either to Newark or to Trenton, and there be mustered out.

 

            Should circumstances favor we will make a short street parade through Philadelphia en route to the Refreshment Saloons

 

            However I won’t talk of what’s to happen four weeks from now; in these times, things are too uncertain.

 

            The portions of the State of Kentucky through which I have traveled are beautiful; and the country around Lexington will compare favorably in an agricultural view with the finest parts of Pennsylvania. The country between Stanford and the Cumberland is more admired / for hill scenery than for its agricultural capacities or its roads (one of which latter, I know to be perfectly villainous)

 

            Despite the advantages of soil, there on the majority of the Kentucky farms evidences of lack of good Northern industry and honest Pennsylvania Dutch thrift. The country towns with the exception of Lexington, are not much to brag of, small and insignificant three “hotels” three stores, a tailor shop a watchmakers’ and some houses. The Court House is small and dirty (this last is due to the soldiers as the building is generally used as quarters for the Provost Guard) such as Norristown or Reading would blush to own, and the parallel of which is only to be found at the S.E. Cor. 6^th and Chestnut.

 

            Lexington is a very pretty town, there are many beautiful residences in the outskirts and in the town. Ashland, the residence of Henry Clay is within a mile of Lexington Before the war considerable business must have been transacted in the place, even now it appears to be thriving—

 

            I received a week ago, wedding cards of Thompson Shourds, verily the “great are falling round us.” What’s to become of the Prescott? Who knows, Whilson and Dunton will most probably next? We will soon become the bachelors of the association. I hope the warm weather will not effect the welfare of the PSA; I want a big attendance to meet on my first appearance at 9^th and Callowhill.

 

            I enclose a small note, postcript to a letter to my Father, which I would like you to give to him, when next you see him

 

            I feel very thankful to your father and mother and yourselves for the kind interest you have always manifested in me and especially during my sickness; whilst lying weak and prostrated on my sick bed, one of my greatest consolations was to think I have dear friends way off in Philadelphia who cared for me, even when so far away. Give my love to your parents and accept for yourselves. Hoping ere many weeks to be with you I am as ever     Your sincere friend     N[?]

            Write soon.

 

P.S. The house at which I stay is not an 1/8 of a mile from camp. I have visitors from the Regiment daily

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