Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Hayes
April 30th
5,20 AM

Dear Father

Rather early this to commence writing a letter, but as soon as a Soldier gets up his Duty Commences. No excuse unless he is Sick. There is too much routine about a Soldiers life, the first thing he hears in the morning is the Bugle or Drum, & the also the last at night. I shall have to hire a Drummer when I get home, to beat the Revilee before I can get up in the morning. If I should come home on a Furlough, I might raise a great disturbance the first night, Falling out thinking I heard the Long Roll.

Yesterday afternoon we had Battallion Drill, we marched a mile, to a Parade Ground, & commenced Drilling, it began to Rain so the Col, tured us around & Double Quicked us (165 Steps to the minute) all the way to Camp. The Color Sergt gave out & then I tool the Colors, & carried them, until, very near Camp, then I fell out could go no farther. All that came in Camp the Col, gave a Ration of Whiskey. Today the Col says we have got to try it again, & have got to come in. This morning I am Stiff & Lame all over. The Col says he will make us Double Quick 3 miles, if we can not do it.

I received your letter of the 25th, yesterday. In regard to the Religious Services in the Fornoon, it would be impossible. Regt Inspection from 10 to 12, then reading the Articles of War, & then Inspection of Quarters. The whole of which, takes until 2 PM & are busy all the time.

Dreyer says he will buy me another Revolver & I shall hold him to it. I received the Tea you sent & will make the most of it. I received the Currency & Postage Stamps. I now take all of my old Rock Dems, to an old Union Man out to the Stone Mills, he was formerly from Skeneatlas (Skaneateles) N Y, He told me he could get no news, at all & he would be oh so much obliged to me, if would let him have my old Papers.

Hoping you have not given up coming down here. I remain

Your Son Manley