Stafford C.H. V^a

March 5^th 1863.

 

Dear Mother,

                        At last the long expected box has come, and all the more acceptable because I had almost given up the idea of ever receiving it. The contents were in better order than I anticipated—only the meat and pies being spoilt. The spiced veal was mouldy on the outside, but as good as new inside. The apples, doughnuts, crackers, cake, butter and cheese were in a good state of preservation and greatly enjoyed by myself and the officers of Co. A. with whom I mess. The cocoanut cake was particularly agreeable, and I was ever so sorry that the pies were not in eating order. Many thanks for your kindness, and bad / luck to Adams' Express Co. who neglected their duty in bringing their freight to the 12^th Corps. Our Reg. had 5 or 6 wagon loads come in one day, and almost every box was behind time and consequently more or less damaged. They should be made to know that if they cannot bring freight direct to its destination they should not undertake to do so, and should not be paid in advance for doing what they very seldom do. The 20^th Reg. and Co H are in their usual good condition, and the able commander of the latter is more agreeably situated than when his company first fell to his charge. He has not been dismissed the service as yet, and has no fears that his military career will terminate immediately. It was very fortunate for me that that thick-headed Lieut in Washington read my name "Capt L. James", for / it will not occur to many readers of the New York papers that the title refers to me I shall probably not have an opportunity of visiting Norwich as soon as I desire. Sometimes I almost wish I could discharged for nothing, for if I should ever want to resign I should find great difficulty in doing so. The authorities are very strict about such things, and officers may make up their minds that if their health does not break down so as to render them entirely useless to the Government, they will be in the service till Death or the end of the war releases them. They are dismissing officers by the scores for trifling offences, and many good ones are sent home in disgrace, while I know of instances where worthless sticks cannot possibly get their resignations accepted / Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully governed! I am pretty well disgusted with the powers that be, and if you will take the pains to show that sentence to some Government official, contractor or sucker, I shall have no trouble in getting my discharge. I believe I'm loyal yet, but I am well nigh in M^cClellan's position (did you read Beecher's article in the Independent, on Boston Swords?), that is once in a while for Abe Lincoln, always for my Country. This nation has verily fallen low, and is biting the dust, because honest patriots enough cannot be found to take the guidance of our political and military affairs. I despise the men who govern us, but believe our government itself is one which will stand against the terrible assaults made upon it, and live in spite the reckless attempts made for its overthrow. Hoping for better things, and not caring much whether I stay here or come home, I am with love to all, Yours

                                                                        Charlie.

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