On the Petersburgh & Weldon Railroad
10 miles from Petersburgh, June 30, 1864.
Dear wife,
I came in here last night. The whole 6th Corps is here. We have been at work all the morning
intrenching. Our regiment has just finished. I can tell you just how we lie. The Station is called Ream’s or [indecipherable]. The 6th Regiment is about ten rods south of the station, see backside. I am well. Have seen Zopher this morning for the first time. He is now in the tent here. The tenth Vermont lies up on the right of the line. This paper is dirtier than some I have, but I must keep it for better occasion. I just write this to let you know where I am. I am well. Lie right in the dirt. Have washed up my face and hands this morning, but water is scarcer than dirt. Laid down in a sweet potato patch last night. Can sleep anywhere. Sleep almost every night with my equipments on, but they are comfortable. I shall write to you whenever I can. I know not one minute where I may be the next. Came off picket night before last. Twenty-four hours ago we were resting quietly in the woods around to left of Petersburgh, now we are here. This railroad is going up pretty fast. Tear up the track, pile up the ties, lay the rails across the ties, set the pile on fire. The rails heat up in the middle. The weight of the ends bend the rails. They are good for nothing until straightened. There is a big smoke arises now off to our left. Think the south side road is going up. Excuse dirt, but think you will be glad to hear from me, if it is on a dirty sheet. Got a letter from you yesterday. I want to write to father but cannot get a chance. If we ever stop long enough to write shall do it.
Yours in love,
Charles.
