Headquarters Camp Harvey            Kenosha, Wis.

1^st Reg't Wis. Cavalry Volunteers, Comp "I"

February 2^nd 1862

 

            Dear Wife:—

                                    Since I wrote last I have received two letters from you—one last Monday & the other last night.

 

I am well and things are going on about after the usual manner, so that I have no particular news to write. I got all my clothing over a week ago, I think I forgot to mention it in my last letter / I think all the soldiers have their clothes now.

 

The Col. has not yet returned from Washington. There was a rumor a week ago that he had returned—I think I mentioned it to you—but it was a false one, such as this camp is filled with all the time. There is not a day passes but this camp is in a perfect turmoil of excitement concerning some rumor which is started either purposely or through ignorance. One day we hear on all sides that we are to be disbanded immediately, the next day the story is current that we are to go to Ft. Leavenworth in two weeks, and another day every one will say all the horses here must be sold to the Government at the appraisal or in case the owner is not willing to do it, they must be mustered out of the service. The rumor today is that a telegram / has just been received from the Col. stating that we are soon to have our hay and that horses will be furnished for the whole Reg. within three weeks. For my part I have learned to pay no attention to what I hear here in this place believe nothing and know nothing except what I actually see, and even when I see a thing I make a great allowance for deception.

 

Master's furlough is out Tuesday. He promised to pay the money he borrowed of me when he returned. If he returnes in time, if he pays me, if I can get a furlough—which I shall try to do, and if there are no other ifs which present I shall be at home the last of this week. At any rate I shall come home as soon as I can, but don't look for me till I come. 

 

We have just come in from dress parade and although the weather is cold yet it is very pleasant just now and with the whole Reg. in uniform we made a fine show. We marched in from parade at the time of "Away down South in Dixie" which is a splendid tune. We have a fine band of, I believe, nine brass instruments, two or three tenor drums & the biggest base drum I ever saw which it takes two men to carry—the drum I mean not the band.

 

            The bugle is playing the Stable Call It says "Come to the stable All that are able" and so I must go and water Zach so good by dear Wife and live in hopes that you will soon see your husband

                                    C. P. Goodrich

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