Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp near Centerville
Jan 23d 7 PM

Dear Mother

I read a letter from you to day, with 5cts in Stamps & a fine Tooth Comb. The comb I needed, though I an thankful to say, I have not seen a Louse on me since I have been in the Service & know I have none.

The money I needed also, as when I was on Picket the other night I had the misfortune to burn a hole in the toe of my Boot. Which was no wonder, Considering the [fare] One side of [me] was Thawed & the other was Frozen. Now I can get them fixed up, again. Thanks to you.

You ask me if You buy a Farm if, I will work it. All I have to say is Try it and see. I think after this is over I shall settle down. So if you buy the Farm I will work it. I think I could make more than $[13] a month out of it.

I have not washed my clothes yet, I can get them washed for 6 cents a piece. We have no Conveniences for washing. I have 5 shirts now all I, need. If we move again I shall not carry much.

You ask me how [Dryer] got his discharge he has not got it yet. I think he is playing up. He has not felt well since he found out he could not get the Lieutenancy. There has been a great many reports in Camp to day, One was this AM, that our Col had his choice, to be transfered into Heavy Artillery & be Lieut Col, or to be Col, of this Regt. there is a great deal of talk, of our being turned into Heavy Artillery, Though there may be nothing in it. Dont we hope it is so.

I would not care about having to stay the three years Another that we were to be paid off, Immediately. I am afraid it will not be so. I hear nothing about the Color sergt, I shall know in a few days.

Barney, Aleck, Al Hunt, have been out to day, with a Man that wanted to get his Brother, who was killed in the Last Bull Run Battle. There was 12 men went out under a Flag of Truce, with Guns. The most foolish thing I have ever heard of, going under a Flag of Truce, with Arms. the boys saw hundreds of graves. I would give $10 to go there, it is outside of our Lines. I shall go there if such a thing is possible, then I shall have some Trophies.

I have got to go on Picket tomorrow. There is a talk of Calling us up on a False alarm, to see how quick we can turn out. So I must go prepare. I must close, so as to make up my Bed, almost Taps

Jan 24th 7 AM. for some reason or other we was not called up last night, though a better night could not have been found. We have Variable weather here, one day it is cold & windy, the next warm & pleasant. Did you mean if you settled down, to settle on my 160 acres of Government Land, on a Farm in NY. I should want to know first.

Give my Love to Maggie & ask her if she will work for me, if work on a Farm, I should want her to live with me. I told Tom, you sent him your best Expects [sic]. Tom is getting very Fat & stout, Just like me.

Hoping to hear from you soon

Love to all

Manley

The House wife is Just what I wanted to carry my Paper in
Much Obliged for it