On Board the Transport Daniel Webster
July 12, 1864.
Dear Wife,
Here we are nearly up to Washington. Last night the 3rd division went to Baltimore. I understand the 1st went there, but of that I am not certain, but I saw the 2d and 3d Vermont go aboard a transport, and the 5th and 6th is on this boat. In about 15 minutes after I had sent my last letter, I received a letter from you, written the 3rd and 4th. I read the letter and then went to cooking up my beef. I had just finished when I dropped a stitch in my back, which just straightened me out. I could not get into camp, could not turn over, nor get up alone, but made the best of it. At one o’clock the major in command of the Pickets came and told us to pack up the whole corps was moving. Wasn’t that good news for me? Had to be helped up and no surgeon or ambulance or anything else, but my feet and legs they were in good order. A Mr. Buck, a brother mason made me a cup of coffee, got me a canteen of coffee and took most of the things in my knapsack, and I determined to see City Point and day light a relief from the 2nd Corps came and we marched out to the road we were to take. 17 miles from City Point there we stopped for the pickets to come in. The Lieutenant told me that I might go along, got to the breast works. About 5 o’clock the pickets came up and we made coffee. The lieutenant gave me leave to go ahead to pick my road and rest when I pleased so on I went. When could not sit down unless I saw a pretty high seat such I improved, and the good wells and springs received a visit. At half past 11 I was at City Point with the Regiment. At about 12 ½ the rest of the pickets came in, except those that straggled, at four went aboard and immediately started. That was the 10th corps. We are going no one knows. I am nearly well. If we do not have to march for today, think I shall be all right. It was a ucky thing for me that this has been a ride instead of a march. I am very well in every other respect, except the back. The boys say I gain flesh. If I do that under the work marching that I have done, I think I can grow fat under anything. It is now fifteen minutes to nine and we are opposite to Mt. Vernon. You remember, I wrote about the heavy cannonade. Our men were making a charge, killed a large number of rebels, and took a large lot of prisoners. Lately a good many rebels have come in. There was a time that none came in. The prisoners said that there was an order read that we shot all the prisoners, but they know better.
Now about pay, I do not believe there is $20. in the Regiment. There is no chance to allot pay now. I hope they will pay us in Washington, but do not know, as we shall stop. The pay rolls are made out, but not signed. Some think that we are going to stop in the vicinity of Washington, but I have not seen a newspaper for the last six days, and would not give a chew of Tobacco for all anybody tells me, whether they read it or saw it. No two pairs of eyes can see alike. This trip has been rather pleasant. Gen. Grant has seen fit to give us plenty of room, or somebody else. I dreaded the trip, as I feared they would pack us. This boat has carried 1600. There is not half of that on board now.
What do the people think of the draft? These thinned ranks of the old Brigade must be filled up. Is there anything left but cowards in Vermont? I want to see good, clean yankees come out, none of those New York substitutes. It is a disgrace to Vermont to send such men to their Regiments. Many of the Canadian French are splendid soldiers. There is a class of them that is hard to beat. It seems curious to be out of the sound of guns. There are said to be some rebs up in Maryland. If there are, perhaps we can get up a little music. Well, anyhow the 6th Corps will be handy if New York thinks of kicking up and shindies. There is not half as much loyalty in the New Yorkers as in the privates in the rebel armies, judging from the talk of the prisoners. I should like to try my rifle on some of the Fernandy Wood stripes. Must close as we are nearing Washington.
Yours in love.
Charles.
