Somerset Ky May 28^th 1863

 

Dear Brother

                        As I have a few spare moments I will write you a few lines but this will be short as I have no news to write I am now on Brigade Guard I am seated at the guard headquarters under the shade of a tree in a chair which I procured at the house only ten feet off its not often a soldier sits in a chair. I am patiently waiting for 12M to come to post my relief. I am well and hope this will find you all enjoying the same blessing. As I before stated there is no news at all to write all the excitement of [paper fold] of and we are now quietly pursuing our usual duties as soldiers.

 

We are hearing cheering news from Gen Grants army but as yet we know not for certain that the stronghold of Vicksburg has fallen, although not the least doubt exists in my mind but that it has. Grant did give the rebels Jessie down there Gen Banks is also doing a good thing & I feel confident that Rosecrans will soon pitch in although I suspose he is waiting for Bragg to attack him. I am of the opinion that they will yet attempt the invasion of Kentucky but I think Burnside is wide awake to the fact.

 

Its clouding up fast I think we shall have rain soon we have not had a drop of rain since we arived here. the farmers begin to feel anxious about the crop its so dry. From where I sit this farm looks splendid as I am on a hill and can look down into the town. I never saw a place where shade trees were more plenty than here there are also some fine residences here.

 

                                    (I made a mistake wrote on the wrong page read the 3^d next) /

 

The best residence I have seen since I have been in these parts belonged to a good Union man by the name of Saml Brooks he was a yankee he said his father belonged in Worcester Mass his house cost him $30 000 a farmer at that but most of the houses I have seen in Va & Ky we should not consider fit to live in at the North. Everybody rides horse back here after they are three years old. The 2^d Tenn left this morning to get their horses & equipments I hear we are to be mounted & that our batteries are to be exchanged for flying artilery, as the country here is such that fast movements are nescessary. When the rebs make their raids with cavalry they must be followed with horses or we could not [?] them much I would not mind having a horse although its been a long time since I rode a horse but I could hang on I guess. The roads are in good condition now but the dust makes it uncomfortable for the drivers Col E W Peirce still has command of Paris. Walter still remains there I wrote to Josiah yesterday I am glad you do not forget the postage stamps for if you should you need not think strange you did not hear from me as it impossible to procure any here I noticed in the Bridgewater paper in the causualities in the 38^th regt slightly wounded Corpl Austin Washburn of Plympton was it Abial Washburns son. There is a report that Gen Butler is to relieve Gen Burnside Burnside is liked very much It wants men like Butler & B— in such a department as this to supress treason to keep Copperheads down Seth is well & sends his respects to all I was pleased to hear that Abbie had her photograph taken I shall look for it soon now

[line cut off] /

 

it about any longer therefore you may have it and do what you please with it. If I ever have a chance to have good ones taken I will do so. By the way where is yours I would like it. I had my hair cut off short last eve. I guess I should make a pretty picture now. We have very hot weather the nights are the most pleasant part of the day rather the 24 hours.

 

The people here call it Evening after noon. Some prisoners are just passing under guard The East Tenn people keep flocking in. they help to recruit up our army I suspose the 27^th NJ leaves in a few days. Most of Walters letters come to the regt but I send them all back to him. If any of you should write to him do not put on the Co at regt simply Walter Thompson Care of Col E W Peirce Comdg Post at Paris Ky. There are some of the most splendid birds out here I ever saw. I hear that [?] Wood of Plymouth has returned, from the secesh army at the battle of Antietam we took prisoners that belonged to the regt he was sutler for they told our Col all about him I would not trust him far. I will stop writing for awhile 11½. 12½M Will now resume operations. I was glad to learn by your last that all was quiet on Barrows Brook Its also quiet on the Cumberland to day I am happy to say. The health of the regt is good I do not think we have a man in the hospital here now the sick were all sent off over a week ago to some General Hospital. Have they herd from the hospital W^m Bryant is in of late From where I sit I can see the hills on the opposite side of the Cumberland river.

 

What do they think about the draft in Plympton do they fear it. there are some who I would like to see drafted if they will not volunteer The Capt told me last eve he wanted to see me return home looking as I do now and see if you would know me, less than a year more 

 

I understand that Lieut Pirer is at Paris he is the one who has been at home recruiting he belongs to our Co. Lieut Winsor is liked very much by the Co. he is a fine fellow Sergt Jenks is a good fellow I always was chums with him but some are down on him because he blows more than he ought. Sergt Atwood has charge of a hospital guard I hear in Philadelphia. Please tell Father when he sees his Father or Brother to ask them to give him Sergt J M Atwoods adress I would like to write to him but know not how to direct. Give my kind regards to all the neighbours my love to my relatives I think I have some. By the way the cane mills here are just like the grinding part of our cider mill they put me in mind of our mill I will close my best wishes for your welfare & Happiness I remain

 

                                                                        Your Aft Brother

                                                                                    Samuel C Wright

SOURCES