Camp Maniqualt May 7^th 1862

 

            Dear Amanda

                                    I arrived here safe after leaving home. The reelection of officers resulted in my election for Captain without opposition R. W. Reddy 1^st Lt G. M. Woodward 2^nd Lt and S. D. Petty for Brevet 2^nd Lt. Col Graham was reelected Col & Maj M^cIver Major, but Capt Wilds beat A T Daigan for Lt Col thirteen votes. Orders were read out on dress Parade last evening that the Regt should be in readiness to march from this place to Charleston S Ca, so you need not write to me until you hear from me again. As soon as we get where I can write I will drop you a line; perhaps before we get to Charleston. We heard to night that the enemy's vessels were collecting off the bar of Georgetown, and some small boats were sounding the harbor, apparently for the purpose of coming in to Georgetown or up some of the rivers. the Cavalry has been fired at on South Island, but no one was hurt. I have been very well all the time since I have been here; I was sicker at home than I have been here at any time. Camp life seems to agree with me very well indeed, and I am glad of it, for, of all the places for a man to get sick is in camp away from dear ones at home. if it were not for you and my little ones at home I would not mind being away it is all that distresses me, but my country need all the available men that can be raised at this time, and I must make the best of it I can. there are thousands away who will / perhaps never return to receive the welcome greeting of their loved ones and friends and kindred who are now looking forward with the brightest anticipations of their safe return: but alas; how many will be disappointed in that day. Such is the fate of the human family and such the calamity of war, but we must live in hopes if we die in despair. Let me know all about yourself and the dear little children, God bless them, kiss them all for me and tell them to be good, learn them their books and teach them at every opportunity the duties of children to their parents and to their God. I have learned the death of one of my men at home, James K Beck which I regret very much for he was one of the best soldiers I had. being Capt of a Company of men who have been previously spoiled is not what it is cracked up to be for I have a great deal of trouble with some of them especially with these two Brown Boys who are always sick and not sick neither and nothing can satisfy them but to go home and stay and hold an office and get paid for their services. they would not be satisfied in any Company unless the Capt lets them do that and if not they are always sick, and become perfect nuisances in the Company. I have put a stop to all such pretentions and perhaps they will write dreadful things about me to their parents. if they do I have the assurance that I have done my duty. the Company are all down upon them for their lasiness. they are not positively worth to the government the powder and shot to blow their brains out. more anon R. Dickinson

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