Camp Butler

Newport News Va Apr 10^th 1862

 

Dear Sister

                        I will now write you a few lines & let you know that I received your very acceptable gift. You cannot think how thankful I feel for it. If I ever have a chance to repay you for your kindness I will do so.

 

I have put my pictures in it. I think that it is a very nice one. Mary I spoke about my Photograph. I have two still left and as I only wish one I will send one in this for you and Mary J together. tell Andrew that I am much obliged to him for his, the other one faded I know not why.

 

We are all well. There is not much news to write. I am on guard to night, and must soon go on so you must excuse this short letter. The weather has been very unfavorable for the past week for Mcclellans army to do much. We have had a north east storm for the past four days. It cleared of to night. the army is about Yorktown building bridges and cutting down the woods about there. they encountered several small batteries this / side of there and took them. There are over one hundred thousand of our troops there if we have good weather you will hear from there soon. Yorktown is a very strong place there are 30,000 rebel troops there. I have to record one of the most sad affairs which has happened since our army moved from here. Either yesterday or to day (I will not be certain which) the 22^d Mass regt the advance of the force came unexpectedly uppon a masked battery. the rebels fired into them killing 23 of them. they retreated. the rebels sang out run you dambed Yankees and of course they could not do otherwise. You will see that debt paid very soon. To day we received news of the capture of Island No 10 also of the awful battle of Pitsburg. You had ought to see our men after the papers to day. Every one had a smile on . We are under orders to march at a moments notice. Josiah Thompson is at Port Royal. Walter sends his respects. The Merrimac has been down by [?] Island to day. We are all ready for her. I received all the papers sent from Springfield. You cannot think how / acceptable the Waverly comes as the stories are so good. When any of the boys want papers to read they come to me. I do not get a very small mail. Give my respects to all. We are all ready for a march. I will close there are fifteen Plympton boys in the Yorktown army. I will write again when I get a chance

 

7 oclock PM                From your affectionate

                                                Brother S C Wright

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