Post Office of the 113^th Reg^t N Y Vol’s

For Pennsylvania, DC. Dec 13. 1862

 

Dear Friend.                                                                                                                

                        Your welcome favor dated December the 7^th was received on the 11^th ins^t. I was glad to hear that all were well. You wanted me to tell you what kind of weather we have down here. we have had some Winter weather, some that might be called number one Winter. It began to rain on the 5^th about 10 oclock A.M. about 1 p.m it turned into snow and kept on snowing untill the next morning. then it turned bitter cold the wind blew hard from the North West, and the chilling blast would pierce straight through the Soldier’s clothing while they were standing on guard and on picket. Sunday the 7^th the day / you wrote your letter was a bitter day here the ground was covered with snow. it was about two inches deep, and the wind drove it in clouds over the ground. The guards and picket’s have to stand on the highest spots of ground, and the most exposed places, so they can see, or hear if any body approaches. we have no sentry boxes here to get in, and be sheltered from the pelting stormy blast’s. For two days past the weather has been mild, and pleasant. the snow is most all gone, and the frost most all out of the ground. We are in the District of Columbia about a mile from the Maryland line. I have been over the line into Maryland, when I was on picket. Once my post was exactly on the line. I could stand with one foot in Maryland, and the / other in the District of Columbia. It has been rumored for several weeks that we was to be converted into a heavy artillery regiment. But I did not put much confidence in the report. But this week I have learned that we are certainly a heavy artillery regiment. Part of our officer’s have got the artillery uniform, and I suppose we will have some new clothes before long striped off with red tape. We will be kept to garrison fort’s and will not have much marching to do. But I guess we will be kept here longer than the infantry regiment’s. Probably we are good for the whole term of our enlistment (3 years) None of us need complain for the want of employment for several weeks to come. The men are busy at present digging rifle pit’s between the forts. Four regiments / left this brigade (The 2^nd our Colonel is acting Brigadier General) last week they went to join Gen^l Burnside and his band of Patriot’s. The regiments were the 147^th NYV. 22^nd 29^th and 31^st NJ Vol’s. They cheered with a hoorah to it when they received marching orders. I began to think that our turn had come to start for the battle field. I would not have cared, where My Country need’s me most, I am willing to go. Here is Her Boy. The number of our regiment will be changed before long. You can direct your letters the same as before they will reach me. I am still carrying the mail but do not know how long I will do it. I saw Elias Westfall to night he is well. I have not seen Gilbert Keenholts for several days. Give my respects to all enquiring Friends. Write again soon as convenient, or sooner if you can—

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