In Camp 9 Corps Rear of

                                                                                    Fredricksburg May 21. 1864

 

Dear Brother I seat my self upon the ground to write to a brother that I hold a position in my heart you know but little of what a Soldier is called to pass through when in the field but I will not inumerate them sufise it to say that I have seen about all the fighting that I want this 11 days fight and marching from place to place has drilled us out you can bet we have got quite a nice place now in a fine grove we hold the Center and front works if the Rebs think they can drive us out let them come they will find us ready I come near being taken Prisnor the 12 but a steady mind and good legs and good luck brought me safe away we was on Picket / and they come up with 8 lines of battle supposing we was there in force I stood Picket 4 days without being relieved but I do not complain if I can do anything to put this Rebellion down I will do it without a murmer but those officers have nomore feeling for a Soldier than you do for the meanest reptile there is where the shoe pinches I had a letter from home last night they was all well but felt some bad because I was down here Dee is trying to moove the house she has let the cellar out to dig it costs $25 dollars I stand Soldering about as well as the most of the boys but I am troubled with the disentery some I hope you get / along well with the farm if I live to get out of the army I shall come and see for my self I find some of the boys that have inlisted before from Amboy they seem pleased to see me if I can stand the Campaign through I shall be glad but some times it seems as though I was played out it is verry dificult to send mail here or get it we shall be in the field 60 days they say that is all they can keep us according to law but officers does not pay much regard to law the 24 Cavalry from Oswego Co is here as infantry and other Regiments of Heavey Artillery so we are served no wors than the rest that is one consolation but you know this ware and Rebellion is comeing to a close / this summer if ever and the big fiting by the 4 of July I think at least I hope so I wish you to write to me as often as you can make convienient and I will write when I have leasure and that is but little of late a letter now days makes me forget my pain and draws my mind to old and well rememberd friends you know there is nothing like friends but we do not know their value untill we are seperated then our minds wander to scenes and pleasures past which then past by and little noticed but when we enjoy them again we can look back on dangers past and interest those at home with our many stories but I must close C H Turner Direct Washington DC 9 Corps 14 Regiment NY Heavy Artillery Company L Care of Capt Houghton

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