Camp Butler Newport News Va Sept 23^d 1861

 

Dear Sister

                        I will now try and scratch a few lines, as I have a few spare moments. I should have writen before but I could not find anything to write about, and I think I shall find myself in the same fix again. We are having a pleasant day, last night it was very cool, in fact it was rather uncomfortable for the first time.

 

I received your last letter one week ago last saturday night. I was out on picket guard at the time and I took it into an old darkies shanty and read it by the light of his fire. At the same time I received one from Marton at the same time, stating that you stoped at his office on your way to springfield. There is nothing new as I know of. An attack was expected here yesterday. A baloon went up and reported that there were eight thousand rebels out / five miles from this place but we are ready for them. Gen Phelps says that he can hold the place three days against three thousand. Col Hawkins Zouaves left this place for Hatteras, and that left only twenty five hundred of us. Yesterday part of the New York fire Zouaves Col Elsworths men came up here, and encamped next to us the remainder are expected from New York to day there are about eight hundred in all they are a rough looking set of fellows but smart for all that. I wish that Col Elsworth could be with them. Day before yesterday I went out with a party to get corn stalks for the mules. We went out about three miles to Col Lees farm and loaded with the calculations of coming again in the afternoon, but it happened we were paid off that afternoon so we did not go, but some of the guard were out that way and discovered nearly a whole regiment laying in wait for us, but they did not catch us as it happened. We got all of the grain / for the horses out there. When we first commenced there was a barn full of corn on the ear they burned the building that night and about two hundred bush of corn also. They burn all of the wood they can to keep us from it, but we get all we want out in the woods all seasoned and ranged up. they were very good to range it for us. The other day a party of rebel cavalry and infantry were seen out on the beach. our men who were out that way took an old kettle and lashed it on to a pair of wheels and put themselves in a position as if loading and frightened them off. (That was a Yankee trick) The day I received your last, I was in fact almost in a brush with the rebels when I received your letter. About two hundred and fifty of the rebels attack or made the attempt on us as we were on picket. ten of the Cavalry rode up and fired on our picket who returned the fire, but neither side were hurt. the remainder bolted. We fired a Howitzer loaded with / shell amongst them with what effect we could not tell, only we know we drove them off. At the same time a rebel steamer fired on us and the Savannah but a shot was put through her by our cannon. It was a fine time I can assure you for a spell. The Expedition at the fort is fitting out rapidly. the batteries on the other side will catch fits some day I hear that 75 000 men are to be sent in the region of Fortress Monroe. I am ready for to do my part. I got those stamps you sent. We are all in good health. I will have my picture taken when we get our dress suit. I know not when it will be. Give my respects to all of the folks. I get a springfield paper once in a while. I have not got my box yet. I ought to write to Mary Ann but cannot find anything to write. if I could I would fill a large sheet. Excuse this and write soon. I would not leave this untill it is settled for nothing I sent home some money yesterday.

 

                                                                        From your Brother

                                                                                    S C Wright

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