Sunday Eve. Dec. 14^th

 

Such a day as this and such weather as this are never seen at home in the month of december. As I was walking on the bank of the neuse this afternoon I several men washing themselves. But I should think it was rather cool. We heard cannonadeing again this forenoon, up in the country somewhere but do not know any thing certain concerning it. a great many rumors are afloat, which, if half are true concerning the tenth she has been handled rough in the reported engagement at Kingston yesterday. /

 

We have not had any mail for some thing more than a week. I am told there was a schooner loaded with express came in this afternoon. if so I suppose we shall get it tomorrow. I feel quite smart this evening. But I do not feel like myself very much nor have I lately. I feel very anxious to hear from the boys I had much rather be well and with them and bare my share of the hardship than to be here, but I donot know as I can help being sick. But I guess I will put up for to night. perhaps to morrow will reveal something new. good night

 

Tuesday afternoon 17^th.

                                                                                                                        Yesterday the express was delivered around / to the different regiments. The barrel containing my shirts was among other things a small box for Silas E. came also The shirts fit me very well, I think they will keep me warm. I am much obliged to you for the rest of the things Thank Mrs Palmer for the peaches for me. they are very nice.

 

We do not hear any thing certain concerning the expedition yet, but a great many stories are flying round. they all make out that there has been something of a fight in which the tenth suffered more or less loss in officers and men, and that they bore the brunt of the battle gallantly charging the fortification of the enemy, and driving them. / But we know nothing certain about it here. I suppose you have heard more of it through rebel sources. We hear also that that Weldon had been taken by General Dix, that Gen. Banks is advancing up the James River and that General Burnside is advancing from the north of Richmond. If all this is true, and all these moves are successful, it will will strike such a blow at the heart of this rebellion as will make it reel, if not fall. Such is my most earnest wish. I have been a soldier long enough: are nearly disgusted to see the way things are carried on. It almost kills ones patriotism if he ever had any. /

 

                                                                                                                        Dec. 20^th 1862

I suppose I must finish up this letter, for I guess the mail will close tomorrow. I wrote in another page Johnny Mead was wounded, but the boys say it is only a light scratch on the shoulder. Corp. John L. Wallace received a mortal wound. John Hubbard and John L Tormey received wounds which proved fatal. The wounded of our company is W^m H Ritch in the leg. Johnathan Lockwood, in the leg. Patrick Sheerar in the hand John H. Brown slight wound. John Schafer slight wound. the officers killed wounded are Capt Wells of Co. E. / first Lieutenant Perkins, of Co. A., first lieutenant Hill, of Co. C. Wounded Lieutenant Colonel Legett, and Major John L. Otis but both kept the field, acting adj. Tomlinson of Co. E. wounded severely second Lieutenant Sims, of Co. G. wounded in the shoulder. I can not ascertain for certain how many are killed and wounded in the regiment. I forgot one officer who was wounded severely in the leg had it amputated above the knee: first lieutenant Coffin, of Co. K. I believe the rest of our boys are all right except being nearly tired out it is a raw chilly night, I am afraid we can not make it very comfortable for them every thing is away, cookstove / and all camp kettles and boilers belonging to the company but we are trying to have some coffee hot for them. Lt. Silas E. and W N. Salter says tell them we are all right but have not time to write.

 

                                                                                                Your affect.

                                                                                                            Son William

 

P. S. Jimmys wound is only a bruise no skin broken I believe he has not come in yet.

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