Camp near Newbern North Carolina

Saturday Nov 22.1862

 

My Dear Wife

                        I have just heard that a mail leives here tonight and hasten to write a few lines to inform you how I am.

 

I confess that I was very much disappointed yesterday when our mail was distributed in not receiving a letter from you. I have no doubt that you have written, but the irregularity of the mail has prevented my receiving it. I have received but one letter from you since I have been here. that was dated Nov 2. I have written, I think, six. I hope you have received them. The mail comes and goes from here just as it happens sometimes quite frequently and then at long intervals just as the boats happens to go for you know our mails must go by water. I think the best way for you to do will be to write often and regularly and I shall get them sometime. /

 

When I can I shall write by every mail, if I know of its leiving. I wonder how you all are and what you are doing this afternoon. I should like to surprise you as I used to do sometimes when I was at Wenham, but it is almost too far. When I am writing to you I do not realize that we are so far apart I think of you as near by, and am very glad that I can, it is so much pleasanter.

 

I remain in very good health. Have not been sick since I have been here. Have a first rate appetite and see no reason why I may not retain my health. I mean to be careful and not expose myself unnecessarily.

 

            The weather has been very fine for a few days. We have had one very severe storm. I never knew it rain so hard before. We did not get much wet. If we only had a little more room I should enjoy tent life very much But when we put in fifteen men in a tent about the size of the one we had at the shore each with three coats two blankets musket &c &c it takes up about all the room there is /

 

I continue to like my tent companions very much. I do not think I should enjoy the company of any other tent on the ground as well. Woods, Claflin, and all you know in the company are well. A Mr Holt from Teltonville (I think you do not know him) is sick with a fever. I am sorry for him. I think he will recover from it but it is hard for him.

 

We are drilling now every day, but they do not drill us yet as hard as I expected they would. We had a knapsack inspection by General Foster. The reg was drawn up in line and each man's gun equipments knapsack and personal appearance were closely scrutinized by the Gen or one of his aids. He scolded to us some but not more than I expected he would. He found no fault with me. The 44^th reg is not very popular here. They bragged to much when they first came out. All the old regs make fun of them. I do not hear that they do of us though I know they think our officers are green. I do not think they are far from right. /

 

I saw Charles Tony of the 25^th the other day. I had almost forgotten that he was here. He wished to be remembered to you when I wrote. He has been sick but is better now though not quite well. I fear that camp is a place of too great temptation for him but do not say anything about it as I do not know of any thing that would lead me to think so. I also saw James Mitchell yesterday he is just as he used to be, says he enjoys this life very much; does not want to go home.

 

The other Shrewsbury boys I have not seen yet as they are still up on picket.

 

I do not see any indication now of a movement in this department, but presume the winter will not pass away without something being done, at least I hope it will not. If anything is to be done I do not see why it may not be done now as well as any time.

 

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving in Mass. I shall think of you, and have no doubt you will think of me, but I do hope you will not allow the thought of any absence to take away your enjoyment of the day. I shall be very sorry if I hear that it does I expect to enjoy the day even here. I feel that I have very much to be thankful for Do not feel worried because I do not receive your letters. I do not allow myself to feel anxious about you though it would be very pleasant to know that you are well.

 

When you write let me know just how you are I must now scour my gun for inspection tomorrow (It takes a great deal of time to keep our guns in order) I shall not have time to write to Eddie tonight—Very much love to him and you

 

Regards to all Affectionately Yours       Charles

SOURCES