Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Hayes
May 16th 63
4,15 PM

Dear Father

I have just recd your letter of the 11th this PM, with $2,50 Enclosed. Which I was very glad to get, & which I shall make go as far as possible. I also read the Envelope, with the Cigar enclosed, which I am very much obliged for. I am now taking a Comfortable Smoke, while writing this. Nothing I like better than a good Smoke here. I have heard nothing about my Pocket Book yet. I think I must have lost it while Drilling. The Drill Ground is, full of holes, Ditches, & is very rough. It would be 9 chances of 10 if ever finding it. Several in the Regt, have lost their money, but have never found it again.

Sunday morning 5,30 AM. I must say I was a little Disappointed yesterday in not seeing you, I had made up my mind, during the week, that you would be here on Saturday, I do not know why, but I could not help thinking you would come.

Since I have been up, I have finished, fixing up, for Inspection, Cleaned my buttons blacked boots & now am ready for everything. I generally have my things in as good order, as any one, as the Inspection always says. We had the Report here, that Richmond was taken, but no one believed it. I like the [Idea] of Charles learning the Printers Trade & do not think he is any too young to comence. I do not know, whether we are in Heintzmans Corps, or not, If we are, I think there is a poor sight, for our leaving with him. Things look every day more like our staying here. We have got 3 or 4 Days work yet on the Breast Works, then we can Drill again. This work suits me, for I have nothing to do, but oversee.

I can not tell when the Garibaldi will be hung. his Sentence has not been read on Dress Parade yet. There is but little extra news in Camp, all quiet

Hoping to see you soon with love to all

Your Son

Manley