Camp 10th Conn. Vols.
Bermuda Hundred Va
May 28th 1864 10.30 AM
My Dear Abbie
Evry thing has been quiet since I wrote you yesterday. Our Regiment was kept in the breastwork untill night and then sent out on picket. pretty rough on the men. they will not be able to stand it very long. the sick list will soon begin to run up. two men have died very suddenly with a couple of days past. One in Co F name Wright, the other in Co. G. the men will go as far as they can and then drop down. the boys who went out or with the breakfast of those on picket this morning say our men are right out in an open field in plain sight of the Rebs, that this morning they exchanged papers. one of our Corpls. went up and sit on their breastworks. I think I shall go up and see them by and / by, after dinner perhaps. it is clouding up again. I am afraid we are going to have rain again for Grants sake I hope not.
I made a mistake yesterday when I told you so many of our troops had left. they are still here, camped back towards the wharf, ready to move whenever they receive orders. they are probably awaiting orders from Grant. When he gets pretty well down towards Richmond they could form a junction with him without much difficulty. this will probably be one of his bases of supplies. We recieved papers of the 26th last night. I think evry thing is working well Grant will soon be down to the [?] and if he keeps on soon to the defenses of Richmond. the Petersburgh paper admits that Lee has been out[?]. they talk pretty blue over it.
Last night just before sundown the Rebel band was out playing in front of our lines. we could hear it very distinctly in camp. they appear to be enjoying themselves [?]. / We recieved a mail last night that had been down to St Augustine I recieved several letters none from home however but from Levenger White Linsley Sharp &c not very interesting at this late day. I was in hopes I should recieve a letter from some of the friends there. I would like much to know how every thing is going there.
I recieved no letters from home last night hope I shall recieve one to night. I have been writing to Cousin Louisa this morning. I must go to work now and answer Eddys letter. must do it this afternoon I think so as to get it off at by tomorrows mail. While I have time I want to get up square.
Savage is sitting in here now. he is very well and looking well. if nothing happens I think we will come home together in the fall. if we do I think we will have a good time.
Zachariah Mead gave me three dollars a day or two since to send to Joseph to pay the expense on a box he sent home from / Gloucester Point directed to Joseph. I will send it to Joseph in a few days. please tell Joseph that I have got it.
I think of nothing more to write at present writing evry day does not give much chance to get a great deal that is new
Give my love to all. remember me to Uncle Charles people.
ever your loving Husband
Benjamin