Camp Butler,

Newport News Va Jan 9^th 1862

 

Dear Sister

                        As I have a few spare moments I will commence a letter but shall not be able to finish it to night. There is nothing new to write Everything remains about the same as when I last wrote. We have been having a very stormy day but it has cleared off very warm. I like to have a stormy day once in a while as we do not have to drill in bad weather. we expect that our Col and the companies to fill up this Reg will be here this week. The Burnside Expedition is expected to arrive at the fort tomorrow. I should not be surprised if it came up this river either to attack Norfolk or Yorktown I hope it will so that we can have a finger in the Pie. The crews of the Cumberland and / Congress have been picked for it by that I judge that it is not going far I have got to go on board of the Congress tomorrow at ten oclock to attend a court Martial as witness against one of the Crew. I was on guard on the wharf day before yesterday when a boat came ashore for water. one of the men refused duty and called the Officer a Dambed Lair &c the Officer came after me yesterday to go on board tomorrow as witness the fellow is in a cell now. I was in to see Oliver Bryant last night they are all well. Dolly has sixty Officers to board they charge $24 per month for board Oliver said he expected George out here to night to stop with them.

 

You wished to know if I knew Henry Brigham I do not as he is at the Port if up here I could soon find him I have forgoten wheather I wrote to you or Lydia last. I cannot remember who I write to as I write eight or ten every week. I received one from Ephraim / Poty yesterday they were all well. I received one from home to day William has been sick but is getting better now Mrs Bisbee is going to make us a visit I am in first rate health now, and I am in good spirits to I do not mean (Ardent S—) I have never had a drop of Liquor in my mouth in my life, (excepting when sick then they gave me brandy) if I wished I could have it when I come off guard days also when on fatigue duty. I shall stick to my pledge let come what will. I receive the papers you send every wendsday I have been reading the Waverly this evening. Andrew Stranger is coming out here with the Companies. the rebels will never hurt him he is so small they will have to shoot straight to hit him. Walter and Mr Phinney are well Mr Phinney has kept sober as a Deacon ever since he has been here he does not trouble liquor at all. Seth sits side of me writing. I will ask a favor of you and Lydia that is that you will send / your Pictures All of the rest of the boys have Pictures and I should like a few myself. You may give Benjamin and Andrew an invitation to send theirs or any one else. I care not who a small box sent by Adams Express will not cost much I will pay the Bills It would seem like home to see the Pictures of my friends Give all an invitation—if you will I will have a good one taken and send you. It is nearly time to blow out lights Excuse this write soon Seth sends his respects There is nothing to write. remember the Pictures.

 

Give my respects to all

 

                        From your Affectionate

                                    Brother

                                                Samuel C. Wright

                        8 oclock PM

SOURCES