Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Hayes
March 14th
6,30 AM

Dear Father

I little expected a letter from you last night but was disappointed. I am on Guard again this morning so it will be short.

I like my Havelocks better every time & look at it, it will be good both summer & winter. It is the best one, that has been sent from Lyons. I got the Pepper Box, that Rosa sent. I am much obliged to her for it. It is just what we needed. I am very glad you sent me the Tea & especially the Sugar. That has been one of our greatest Troubles, we draw such small Rations of Sugar. We are living high now, & are living a great deal more comfortable, since we fixed our House.

there is but little News in Camp, we have had another lively Storm. Night before last we had a very heavy Thunder Storm, while it was Hailing Hard. this makes the second we have had, this Winter.

Have I told you that we have Recitations twice a week in Tactics at the Liets Room. It is a Big thing Corporals, have got to learn how to form a Battallion. McDougal is very strict with his Non Commissioned Officers, he makes them Toe the mark.

I have been feeling very miserable for the past few days, I have had a bad Cold, & it settled in my Head. This morning I am feeling all right again. The other night, because it stormed, Green thought we would be attacked, so he ordered the men to sleep with Boots & Clothes on. No other Officer in the Regt did the same thing.

The Col has just had a Barn built on the Ground, that makes me think we shall not move very soon. I wish we would, I am sick & tired of this Place, nothing going on here but military & all you can hear is the Bugle Call for some Drill or other. I would like a change.

I believe 5 Pr cent of a Co, now are allowed a Furlough at a Time, if so then I may come home some day on one, Suppose you mention it to the Capt.

Well I must close this letter, with love to all

Kiss Maggie for me

Manley