Manley Stacey Civil War Letters
December 1, 1862 – Washington DC
Washington DC
Dec 1st /62
Dear Father
I wrote a letter yesterday, but owing to the Confusion, could, not finish it, in time for the Mail.
We have not moved yet but expect too [sic], before long. The General opinion here is that we are not Exchanged but that we soon will be. Hardly any of our Officers, think we are. I shall go over to the 138th’s Camp in a few days. I saw Capt Charlie Wood, yesterday. The Regt is only two miles from where our Camp, is to be.
We had a lovely time in the Barracks last night, there was about a Regt & a half in one Room But then we are used to sleeping on a hard bed. Two of the 138th boys, came down to see us, last night, It raised a great deal of Excitement, among the boys, every one had some Friends in the Regt.
I said last night, that we were going to Arlington Tonight, this is a mistake, we are going to Camp Chase, near the long Bridge. Of course I can not describe it until I see it. It is rather doubtful about our getting Paid Off, for if we are not Exchanged, we will not until we are.
Right here at the Capitol, we get Meat, that Stinks so we can not possibly eat it, It is a great Shame. I think I will have my Tooth Brush & a Blacking Brush Sent as we are obliged to have our Boots Blacked when we Parade. I will also have a few Paper Collars, so if we are [Re..ed] here I can look well. I do not want to be burdened with a great deal.
We have got about 4 miles to March today, & then pitch our Tents, as we shall be pretty busy.
I think there must have been some Mistake, in regard to the measure of my Boots, Billy Waters, took [ ] it & I was very particular.
Talk about confusion, you should see, where I am writing from 10 to 12,00, in the Room. I hear but little War News now, though would like to know, how things are at Fredericksburg. I think, something will be done in the next two weeks.
Our Lieut Colonel said this AM, that we were not Exchanged yet but that we soon would be. As soon as I hear anything deffinite [sic] I will write
Love to All
Manley
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