West Point N. Y.

July 30^th 1863

 

My dear father

                        Since you all seem determined not to write until I have written again, I have come to the conclusion that as I desire at least one more letter before graduating it would be policy on my part to write immediately

 

            Since my last we have had considerable excitement around here on account of the draft I suppose you have heard or seen accounts of the great riot in N.Y. city. we were very anxious and indeed pressed the officers very closely to permit us to go down & permit assist in quelling it, and I think it quite probable that we would have gone but we received information that a large force of rioters wer anticipated landing at this place, and taking possession of the cannon & ordnance stores of which there are a considerable quantity. This the officers upon consultation determined to prevent, so our fighting aparatus were put in thorough order, twenty rounds of ball cartridges issued to each cadet with a musket, outposts & pickets thrown out at all vulnerable points / cannon planted upon the docks and thoroughly manned, and indeed every preparation made for a desperate fight. we slept on our arms for two nights and could have been completely formed for a fight in two minutes and I certainly never saw such an intense desire, for any event, in my life. But I am sorry to say that that aching desire was doomed to disappointment for they did not attempt to land we however learned that two or three boat loads of rioters left the N.Y. docks & were discovered by the gun-boats, posted at that place, and turned back. The authorities are I suppose still in expectation of some disturbance as a Post Guard is constantly stationed at the docks & principal approaches. This Guard is composed of soldiers from the regular army with a cadet officer of the first Class in charge so you see I am getting some experience in the capacity of an army officer.

 

            We (that is the first class) are going to take up a new branch of instruction next week and I hope & expect a very interesting one, that is signalizing as practiced in the army. As it is entirely secret I suppose we will have to take an oath not to divulge our information

 

            I suppose it was a great relief to you all to hear that Morgan with his band of Rebels was captured, though I see / accounts of an invasion from another source, yet I dont think there will be such a determination to retain a footing as was the case with Morgan.

 

Do you ever hear anything from Taff now days? It has been several months now since I heard a word of him. If I knew his address I would like very much to write to him. How are your crops this season? I hope they have not been affected with dry weather, as is usually the case down in Ky. We have certainly had enough rain to spare you a goodly quantitiy if it were possible. I believe it has rained every day with two or three exceptions since the 4^th inst. If provisions have risen as much down there as here, I hope you will realize a handsome profit.

 

            We are all getting greatly in debt here, our salary will not support us by a good deal the consequence is that we have to exercise a very strict economy. The board of examination have recommended an increase of salary to the amount of fifteen dollars per month thus making the entire forty five dollars. However as Congress does not meet for several months it will benefit me to no great extent, as we will then have to wait until it determines whether the recommendation be acceptable or not. I have need of a little money now and if it would not incommode you, I would be very thankful if you would send me the same amount you sent before. I know it is asking a great favor during / these troublesome times, and I certainly make my wants as few as possible, but at the same time there are conveniences that it is disagreeable to sacrifice in the most indigent circumstances

 

            I suppose Howard is so busy cutting corn and tending the farm that he cannot find time to answer my letter. And mother I suppose because she did not fulfill her desire to come & see me, is either pining with remorse because she did not or with disappointment because she could not. But I am so neglectful myself that I have no right to complain. Give my love to all & with the hope of hearing from you soon I remain

                                                                                    Your affect son

                                                                                                            Rezin

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