Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Dear Father,

I received a Letter & Paper this AM, on my return from Picket, also a letter & 3 Papers this eve. the Barrel has not arrived yest, but hope to get it this week, I do not know when the QM, will go for them. A Commissioned Officer, has to get an Order from Brig Hayes, then go to Alexandria & sign a Receipt for them. when the things come I shall put them in the Trunk & lock them up, or else when I went on Picket, they would all be stolen.

I do not agree with you about dividing the Apples, I think I can dispose of them. Harve[y] & I, are trying to get another Tent, & be in a Squad by ourselves, This I will like a great deal better. I have no map of Virginia, though I would like a good Light one.

I do not know what to say about Charles, being a Drummer. nothing would suit me better than to have him with me, & to have him see the Country, but I fear the Hardships. I do not want to take the Responsibility on my Shoulders, of having him Enlist, though I should like to see him Drummer of Co D. They are in no Danger in Battle, being always in the Rear, but Boys, are the first to Die with Disease. If he was 3 years older, I would say Come, by all means, but as it is I can not.

I got 5 Letters to day, 2 from Home, 1 from A Yager Chicago, one from Dansville & one from SB, so you see I have news enough tonight. Tell Rosa I will answer her Letter next time. We had a Sermon this PM & the Regt sung one Hymn, & closed with the Doxology, I tell you it sounded good again. I will let Mr Brown have the Papers, when I read them. It is raining again to night as usual, Our Rainy Season has just commenced now, & that is where our [fro..] commences. I am living in hopes of being paid off, this week, but may be Disappointed.

March 9th. Dear Father I wish you many Happy Returns of the Day, this is your Birth Day I believe. Hope I see you, before you have another

Nothing New this morning

My love to all

Manley