Camp of the Fifth N. J. Vols.,

Near Falmouth, Va.,

January 12, 1863.

 

My Dear Father:—

                  Since my last, I have heard of nothing, in our immediate vicinity, of special interest. We have all been absorbed in the events of the Campaign in the west—the "Battle of Murfresboro," Siege of Vicksburg, etc., and I am not sure that the "Field of the West" has so invited the attention of our leaders, as, for a time, to cause them to forget their own positions and responsibilities. We have Phila. paper, of to-day. The capture of Galveston, by the rebels, and loss of steamer "Harriet Lane," show that reverses have not ceased to form a portion of our daily record. The rebels have given us so many lessons, in unexpected movements, that repetitions would seem to be uncalled for—but they teach us every day, that we are not the most wide-awake Yankees we think ourselves. While we are lying so idle and, apparently, useless to our Country and ourselves, the rebel forces are actively employed in some portion of the field. If they are not, today, behind the works of Fredericksburg, they will be found at Charleston, Savannah, on the Blackwater, if not behind the defence of Vicksburg. It is remarkable how accurately they anticipate our strategic movements. When, therefore, this army shall / again assume a "threatening" attitude, the "Johnnys" will "concentrate" as usual, to oppose our progress. But, if we are entirely mistaken, as to the "supposed" rapid "concentration" of the rebel forces, at threatened points, we must admit that whatever they have had of an army, has been made to answer the purposes of one equal, if not superior to our own.

 

            Truly, I think the rebel army, in active field operations, equals in numbers, if it is not superior, to our own.

 

            I am afraid by the expiration of the service of the nine months troops, our government will find itself in a worse position than it was after the "Campaign of the Peninsula." I would like, on to-morrow, to see an order for 300,000 men to fill up the old regiments. Draft them, if they would not enlist promptly. This number should be in the field in two months' time, and sooner, if possible. I should like further, if it were possible, (and it is) to see the ten or more thousands Deserters, compelled to serve their three years from the time of their apprehension. Our gov't would do well to imitate Jeff Davis. He lately dismissed five officers for "absence with out leave," and ordered them to "report" as "Conscripts." "Uncle Sam" would get several thousand conscripts, if he would do so.

 

            The advantage of filling up old regiments would be that U. S. would have the services of new / troops in "one fourth" the time that they can be made "available" as new regiments. And old and experienced officers would be retained in command. The present prospects are that the old regiments will be "consolidated," a majority of the officers thrown out of command, and that "Uncle Sam," at the end of two or three months, and at a time when he will most need them, will be minus, "Three Hundred Thousand Men" or so many of that number as may have enlisted in the nine month's service.

 

            The President and Congress out to convince the north that it means to win, even if it have to call into the field every man able to bear arms. Uncle Sam may appropriate one or two months' wages of his humble serv't, if he will assure me he will call "enough men into the field" to warrant us in believing him in earnest. We have trusted him over six months, and would wait for "Green Backs" six more—(perhaps we shall have to) for the evidence we ask.

 

            "Rumors" of moves, on our part have subsided, for the present. We may, however, be much nearer a change than appearances indicate.

 

            On tomorrow, Adjt. Berry & Maj. Angel (of the 5^th) go home on "leave"—former for 4 days—latter for 20. When you make up your box for me, send a quantity of "Baking Powder" (if good) or "cream tartar" and "soda" / Two prs. "white cotton gloves," (they are 50¢ here) good blacking and brush; some good soap. Send me a strong box, so I can make use of it afterwards. Do not put in the box anything to damage clothing, by breaking or by being decayed. I have no doubt I shall be able to get (promptly) anything you may send to Alexandria or Washington.

 

            After you have got ready such articles as I have asked for in this letter and my former ones, you will write me they are ready, and say where you will send them (Alex. or W.) In the meantime, if I know of any one from this Brigade, whom you can send them by, (in place of by Express) I will so direct them (or him) as that they may save delay by coming directly to me.

 

            Rain fell yesterday, but to day is clear and pleasant.

 

            I will mail my Commission same time as this.

 

            Send love to Mother and all the family. Am in good health.

 

                                                                                    Truly

                                                                                                M. S. Austin

                                                                                                2^d Lt 5^th N. J. Vols

SOURCES