Camp Marine Reg^t, Vicks Miss.

Nov 30^th 1864.

 

Friend William

                                    After a long delay I have again had the privelege of hearing from you once more Although some time has passed since I have had a letter from you and I had almost come to the conclusion that you had forgotten me alltogether But after receiving and reading your note of the 21^st which came to hand this morning I find the reasons why I have not had a letter from you and I am not in the least surprised that you did not write sooner no doubt I would have done the same had I been in the same circumstances and you are perfectly excusable for not writing sooner provided I have your pardon in return for not writing to you long ere this as I should have done and informed you of our presant situation and change of service, for I have only negligence to offer as an excuse. /

 

As I have no doubt you have heard the many rheumers that have been in circulation through the North concerning the M.M.B.s which we have also hurd through the Northern papers but know nothing of here previous and consequently we do not feel disposed to believe the identity of the reports as I think the author was wrongly informed. But these rheumers have raised from the facts that such orders were given by Gen Canby to muster the marine Brig. out and turn the Boats over for government transports. he (Gen Canby) being wrongly informed and thinking us only transfered troops these orders being executed through Gen Dana Commander of this post puting the orders into execution we first rec'd orders to turn over our arm. and accountrements and all government property on Board the Boats which we did. then the Boats were taken from us and the sideings and every thing were taken off but we still remained on Board. then the orders came reading as follows. to Muster those men out of the service whoes term of service / had expired in their old Reg^t and also all under sixty days. And all those haveing over sixty days to serve were to be returned to their respective regiments. And all those not being in the service untill enlisted in this to be returned to the governors of their respective states as transfered men. And to this Gen Ellets reply was that he did not have any tranferd men so that ended that matter. then Gen. Dana requested a true statement of Gen Ellet how the thing was gotten up, which he gave him in writing and Gen Dana forwarded them to Gen Canby at New Orleans. And we rec'd orders to remain in camp at this place untill we could have a general hearing of the matter. And the matter was then forwarded to Se^ct Stanton and laid before the President himself and a coppy was also sent to the governor of each northern state and have since hurd from them assureing us that they would do all they could for us and that they had forwarded a request for the disbandment of the M.M.B. and under those terms we now remain in Camp / waiting for a hearing from the President which I think now that he is reelected will be in our favor and I think we will get out of the service by the 15^th of January which I cincerely hope we will for I am perfectly sick and tired of the service I am in. And more particularly the place we are stationed at. But enough on this subject. As I have but very little time to write today and nothing of importance to communicate to you at this time only that your letter finds me in the enjoyment of good health at this preasant time and enjoying myself as well as can be expected under the preasant circumstances And cincerely trust that when these few lines reach you they may find in the enjoyment of good health Excuse this short and poorly written letter and answer as soon as convenient. Give my complements to all enquiring friends and wishing to be remembered by you I remain your cincere friend

 

James M Robb

C^o C. Marine Reg^t

Vicksburg, Miss.

 

All the Boys in the                                                                 

Camp send their comp                                                            

lements and best regards                                                                     

to you, Very Respectfully

 

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