Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Hayes
May 13th
5,30 PM

Dear Father

I have just recd your letter of the 9th with the Stamps enclosed, which I am glad to get. I was very glad to hear from you tonight, for to tell the truth, I felt a little homesick. I have had a bad toothe Ache all day, & felt miserable.

Yesterday morning at 8 AM, we went to work, throwing up Breast Works, & worked until 6,30 PM, having 2 hours interruption at noon, Each Co, was divided into 3 Reliefs, under the charge of a Sergt & Corpl, & worked one hour & rested 2, The Col says we have about a week of just such work to do. Well I do not care, for I do not have to work,

Last night we got orders, to fall out to Brigade Review & Inspection, at 8 this AM. We marched about a mile from our Camp, to the Review Ground, & was Reviewed & Inspected by Genl Abercrombie. We then went through a few movements, & returned to Camp, It was very warm & with our heavy Knapsacks, it made the Sweat pour off from us. I wished a great many times you had been here, for it looked splendid.

I read a letter from [J..o] Voak, tonight, they are all well at present. I think our leaving here is played out, now, things do not look like our leaving here at present, nor do I think we shall leave here at all. I thought you knew about the Officers, being bought in this Regt. Even in Co C, the Capt would not Promote one of his Sergts, to Lieut, unless he would pay him $1,00 for it.

I should be very glad to get Caseys Tactics, it is just what I wanted, & need every day, When a man undertakes to be a Soldier, he might as well be a perfect one. If they do not cost too much, I would like the 3 volumes. I flatter myself that I am pretty well posted in Tactics.

May 14th /63 6 AM. We have had quite a Rain during the night, & this morning, it is quite cool & comfortable. I think we shall work on the Fortifications today, though it looks some like rain. When you come down, do not forget the Cotton Socks, for I need them, you may bring me a couple lbs of Sugar, this is the only thing that, we are short of.

I hope you will, soon change your mind, & come down here yet, the sooner the better, Will write again tomorrow

Love to all

Manley