Newport News Va Feb 26^th 63

 

Dear Sister

                        I received your kind letter to day and will now endeavor to pen a few lines in reply. this will be short for want of time as the evening is already far advanced as for day time writing that is out of the question its as much as we can do to get our meals between drills the privates are drilled well enough but we have to drill that the Officers may not forget the movements Yesterday we had a grand review before Major Gen Div Our whole Corps was all out we drew rations for 20,000 there is one division here besides our Corps Gen Harneys old Division We have looked for Col Pierce and recruiters party back every day now for a week it will come tough to Walter to do duty as a private in the Co his place is taken / up now as Adjutants clerk. I am sorry for him but he must take the bitter with the sweet. I expect to be detailed for guard tomorrow. My duty as far as guard is concerned comes light now as we have lately had a lot of non Coms made Seth is now 1^st Corp I am second when I came in I was sixth. I was somewhat disappointed in not receiving a letter from home yet this week. You spoke of the Box I am ready to receive it at any time I guess there will be no danger of being overstocked it is not often the case with a soldier. Sergt Jenks is well and sends his regards to all his brother from the Minisota was here to see him yesterday he has been reduced for some reason he is only a common sailor now Jenks makes a good orderly I should not be surprised if he got Sergt Majors berth. I hope Isaac Briggs will come up there to work I ought to / write to him about Rebecca but I am drove just now. I never was in better health weighed yesterday only 189½ dressed light thats not bad. I did not like the news in the Herald to day about the Queen of the West falling into the hands of the rebels. hope its not true expect exciting news from Charleston soon. wrote to Andrew a few days ago received a letter from home. Do not know yet where we shall go. Expect Gen Burnside will have us the Directions I think I gave you as follows. 9^th Army Corps 1^st Division 2^d Brigade it’s the best way as the Gens keep changing. Gen Smith commds the Corps Gen O M Poe the Division Col Mendol the brigade Christ is at home on a furlough. the Iron Clads remain off here yet guess they will have to bide some time before Merrimac No 2 comes. I am the O C Memorial to night. Capt / Dotens brother Charley does not know much about soldiering yet I judge from his letters. having quite pleasant weather. are in wedge tents now. Seth is well and sends his respects to you all. Give my love to all I will write as often as an opportunity presents you must do the same Excuse this have no more time write when you send the box that I may look out for it. a lot came for the Regt to day its nearly time for roll call do not know which I owe this to but it will not make much difference its all the same I write to so many I cannot remember I close with my best wishes for your welfare and happiness I remain your

 

                                                            Aft Brother

                                                                        S C Wright

                                                                        Co E 29^th Mass Vols

SOURCES