Camp 5^th N.J. Vols

Tuesday

Sept. 15, 1863

 

Father

            Yours of 10^th was rec'd last night. Have sent an order to Col. Biffertz for the package. Will probably get it Thursday. Sutler's furnish butter, in tin cans, (1lb. per can) but it is unfit for use—Two thirds lard—and as poor as poor can be. I am wearing the coat—although it's small—I have the appearance of having growed some since it was made. If you send another which you may do as / soon as you can get one large enough, send to my address, by Adam's Ex. Washington, & sutler will get for me. Through the mail, the postage will be much reduced by leaving the ends open, so the office can see what the article. Sealed, or close p'ck'g's cost ab't double. I sent by Col Cook, yesterday, $150 to mother, Trenton. Col. C. will go home to-morrow. We are under orders to be ready to move at short notice—but that does not involve me, necessarily. 

 

Two men in our div. are to be shot to death, with musketry—one from 6^th N.J., one from 11^th Mass—will probably take place on same ground as those from the 5^th Corps— ½ mile from here. I do not know the day—probably Friday. Cause—desertion.

 

            Am well, and send love to all at Trenton

 

                                                            Truly

                                                M.S. Austin

                                                            2d Lt. &c.

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