Camp 14^th N H Vols

Harpers Ferry Feb’y. 12^th

 

Dear Friends at Home

                                                                                                                        I have been trying to find time to write you for the past three days but have been so busy have not had a moment to spare. I wrote you last on Wed. and had been drilling Co. B. all day. On Thursday morning I was detailed as Officer of the picket and at 9 o/c started for Halltown four miles camp; from there we marched four miles to Snyders Mill and Suckers Ford, the most exposed post on our line of pickets; I got there at noon, and by 2 o/c had my pickets posted and the camp pitched in one of the most lovely spots I ever saw / I had elegant quarters and was enjoying myself first rate when I was relieved and ordered into camp. Altho. I had marched 8 miles with a tremendous load on my back, I thought I would return the same night and so set off starting at 7 & getting to camp at 9 pretty good marching that. This morning I woke up feeling gay as a lark but a little sore and lame. Shortly after breakfast the Col sent for me and put into my hands my commission as 1^st Lieut of Company G. The Capt. being absent I am now in command of the Co. I went down and tried to get mustered but the Commissary of musters was so busy he could not attend to it until Monday. Howard / is 2^d Lt. and feels as happy as a man can. This p.m. I came down to Halls Island with the Maj. and helped lay out our new camp and this p.m. I moved Co. G. down to our new quarters. The camp is sheltered in by hills on all sides and is warm and comfortable. It is near the ruins of the old U.S. Arsenal and the scenery is beautiful. Our men are to have elegant quarters and I think we shall be more comfortable here than ever before. My qrs are two wall tents a good bunk, table stoves and every thing comfortable as one could ask just in the rear of my qrs runs the canal and immediately in front is the ruins of the Arsenal; a garden brick walk leads up the / line to all the Company Officers and also out to my own bo. The men have got a good deal of work to do but when it is completed they will enjoy it hugely. I do like the service ever so much. I never was happier in my life than now I would not go back to the P.M.O. for anything. I had a letter from H. to day he was well but misses me very much. my stockings are wearing out badly & I have sent to him for two pair of his. If you have leisure you might knit me a pair. I am expecting the Capt. back soon and then everything will be lovely. I shall look for a letter from you soon also a Sentinel Love to all. I have not been so satisfied since I left P. take good care of yourselves and give me all the news—

 

                                                Your affson

Direct to Washington JWSturtevant

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