Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

On the Road between Chicago & Adrian Mich

Dear Father

I wrote you a letter last night, but did not send it. I will send it with this.

This morning I was busy, from the Time, we had breakfast, till we left. I went to the Marine Hospital & to the General Hospital, Getting together Bill Prices things & Doing Errands for the Cap.

We were ordered into line at 1,30 PM, & marched about 3/4 of a mile to the Mich Southern, there we laid until 6 PM, almost Froze to Death. About 6 M, we left Chicago in tip top Passenger Cars. This is something like traveling. I shall try & Post this at Cleveland. We have four Days Rations of Beef & Soft Bread.

6 AM. This is better than I expected. We have had a pretty good time on the Road, though but little chance to sleep. We arrived in Toledo at 7,30 AM. there we had some Good Coffee. We left Toledo, for Cleveland, after changing Cars. We left Toledo about 12.

I shall send this letter by Lieut Moor, he says, he will do any thing he can for me. I very much doubt whether we are Exchanged or not. I will write you again as soon as we get to Washington

Love to all

Manley

Pittsburg Pa
Nov 28th 10 AM

Dear Father

I wrote you a letter & sent it by Lieut Moor, describing, our Trip to Cleveland. We left Cleveland last night about 7,30, We little expected that the Citizens would furnish us something to eat, but they did not, so we had to put up, with the bread & Meat.

What a way this was to spend Thanksgiving. I thought of home, a great Many times yesterday, & I would have liked very well to have taken Dinner with you.

We enjoyed ourselves tip top, everyting went off, splendid. We had one man in our Squad, that made a great deal of Fun for us, Naming the places.

I broke one of my back Teeth, yesterday, eating a Hard Tack

Last night three of us, took two Seats & spread the Cushions, crossways & slept, very well until morning. We arrived in Pittsburg at 87,30 AM, Then we Marched to Volunteer Relief Association & had a good breakfast

We gave the Ladies Three Rousing Cheers & a [ ]. Their Motoe [motto] is Pittsburg Welcomes her Countrys Defenders

Then we Marched to the Pitts & Harrisburg RR. There we had altogether the best Traveling, that we have had Seats that would lay, right back. there we had altogether most Comfort. Sunday We left Pittsburg at 11 AM. [on] Good pass Cars, our Car was one of the old Style Sleeping Cars, so was very Comfortable. We passed through four small Tunels [sic], a Short distance this side of Pittsburg. This was a very pleasant Ride Through a Tunel, 11 miles from Altoona 1 mile long.

We arrived at Altoona at 745 PM. There made but a short stay & started again for Harrisburg I do not think I ever rode any faster, than I did that night. We arrived 7 miles from HB, about 4 AM there we laid until about 7 AM. After a long & tedious ride, we got to Baltimore at 7 PM,

From there we marched to the Volunteer Relief Association, & got a good Supper. We have got a good name there, the Ladies say, there has not been a Regt there, that behaved as well as the 111th, New York & that they were glad to see us.

At B, four of us were Detailed to load the Baggage. There we concluded to ride in the Baggage Car, as the most of the Boys, had to ride, in, miserable, open Cattle Cars. It was cold enough there to Freeze a man.

We arrived in Washington this morning about 4 AM, & at 7, we marched to the Soldiers Retreat, & got Breakfast, from there we marched to a very large Building But a short distance, from the Capitol, which is used as a Temporary Barracks.

Our Co was Detailed to unload the Baggage & Guard it. We have just sent it to Arlington Hights [sic], but can not

(page missing?)

When we will be ordered to move there, or how long we shall stay there. Probably, for three or four weeks It is reported that our Lieut Col, has orders for us to be Brigaded under Genl White & that we are to go to Port Royal SC & there do Garrison Duty, I am sure I would rather do this than go into the Field.

Our Lieut Col McDougal is with us again and looks better, he [ ] at Baltimore.

While we were marching through the Streets of Balt, a Little Girl of about 6 years, that could hardly talk plain, says hurrah for the CSA. Some Rowdies called us 111th Skedadlers. But what did me the most Good, a little Girl about 5 years old, Says, Good Bye Gentlemen, I must confess that made one feel better. You must know, that it is not like me, to hear ourselves called Cowards & Skedadlers. Though of course we could do nothing.

We passed through some very rough Country, between Pitts & Altoona, there was one place, where we cross the Allegany Mounts, that it takes three Engines to draw a Common sized train up the Grade. Firemen Get here $80 a month. This goes ahed [sic] of the west. I sincerely hope that we shall stay here, for two or three weeks, as I want to Go through the Capitol, Patent Office, Smithsonian Institute Navy Yard & a great many other places, of interest. I should very much like to have you come out here.

If I draw my pay, & the $20 is sent home, I want you by all means, to keep the money, to pay, for what you send me. I do not want you to be any thing out by it. It is impossible for a man to live on $3 a month, try his best. Be sure you put none of the money in the Bank. You must take it, for what you have sent This is positive.

If you speak to Moor, about my Promotion, do not let him think I ask for it. If they take a 2nd Lieut from any other Company, than ours there will be a fuss. it would not be right.

I do not think I shall, go & see, Van Martyn to get any money. If we go down south, I shall hope to cut down my Expenses, some.

Do not think I am down hearted because, we are Exchanged, not so, I shall not object to going into the Field again. If I had any Friends, I never should advise them to Enlist in the Infantry, but would in [the] Cavalry, There they get no long Marches, & have some, chance to save themselves.

I do not know of any thing I want sent to wear, for if we March I do not want to be burdened with much

My love to all will write tomorrow again

Manley

Washington DC
Dec 1st /62

Dear Father

I wrote a letter yesterday, but owing to the Confusion, could, not finish it, in time for the Mail.

We have not moved yet but expect too [sic], before long. The General opinion here is that we are not Exchanged but that we soon will be. Hardly any of our Officers, think we are. I shall go over to the 138th’s Camp in a few days. I saw Capt Charlie Wood, yesterday. The Regt is only two miles from where our Camp, is to be.

We had a lovely time in the Barracks last night, there was about a Regt & a half in one Room But then we are used to sleeping on a hard bed. Two of the 138th boys, came down to see us, last night, It raised a great deal of Excitement, among the boys, every one had some Friends in the Regt.

I said last night, that we were going to Arlington Tonight, this is a mistake, we are going to Camp Chase, near the long Bridge. Of course I can not describe it until I see it. It is rather doubtful about our getting Paid Off, for if we are not Exchanged, we will not until we are.

Right here at the Capitol, we get Meat, that Stinks so we can not possibly eat it, It is a great Shame. I think I will have my Tooth Brush & a Blacking Brush Sent as we are obliged to have our Boots Blacked when we Parade. I will also have a few Paper Collars, so if we are [Re..ed] here I can look well. I do not want to be burdened with a great deal.

We have got about 4 miles to March today, & then pitch our Tents, as we shall be pretty busy.

I think there must have been some Mistake, in regard to the measure of my Boots, Billy Waters, took [ ] it & I was very particular.

Talk about confusion, you should see, where I am writing from 10 to 12,00, in the Room. I hear but little War News now, though would like to know, how things are at Fredericksburg. I think, something will be done in the next two weeks.

Our Lieut Colonel said this AM, that we were not Exchanged yet but that we soon would be. As soon as I hear anything deffinite [sic] I will write

Love to All

Manley

Camp Chase
6 miles from Washington
Dec 2nd /62

Dear Father

We left Washington yesterday morning, about 9,30, for our present Camp. we marched, Through Lousianah [sic] Ave, Penn Ave, & over Monumental Hill, and over the Long Bridge (not the Chain Bridge) to Camp Chase, about 6 miles South west of the City.  On our Route, we passed near enough to get a good view, of the White House, the War Dept, Washington’s Monument, & the Smithsonian Institute.

I am in hope’s of getting a pass, to go & see some of these Public Buildings, but hardly think I shall.  I have seen several of the 138th Boys here, they all seem to Feel well.  I want to go over to their camp if possible.  We have got a nice place to Camp, about, a mile from the Potomac.  We are near several large Forts, you can hardly look any way, with out seeing Camps.

We are not in the same Brigade, that we were. The [89] NYSV, the 116, 125, 126 NYSV are Brigaded together and are to Guard the RR, between here & Manassas.

there is some talk of our Colonel being made a Brigadier, & we be in his Brigade. If this is so, (I know he has been working for it) there will be some change in our Staff Officers & then I think our Capt, will be promoted.  He is today Officer of the Day.

It would suit our Boys to be turned into Heavy Artillery & Garrison some Fort, but this would be too much Good Luck.

Three out of the 5 NY Regts, Paroled have received their Arms, the 126th gets their own today & will soon leave.  I think we will get the same kind of Guns we had before.

I would like to know who that Citizen of Chicago was that wrote that lying letter to the Lyons [Repub].  Does he know more about the Camp than we do, I wish they had published (Dryers) letter, there was some truth in that.

I never thought I could live on Raw Bacon & Hard Tack, but I can & grow Fat.  Perhaps you may wonder why I sent home my vest, it was so small that I could not [get] it around me within two inches.  I have grown so fat.  This life agrees with me.

I have had an Awful Cold & Cough for a few days past but it is better now.  This is a lovely place when it Rains, the mud, two feet deep.

I was on Guard, last night again, it is my good luck to get on, always, first.  I hope soon, to be something higher, then I will get [rid] of that.  The boys have had lots of fun this morning chasing Rabbits, there is lots of them here, Co [D], had one cooked last night. The mail leaves Camp at 11 AM, & gets here about 2. We are to have [ ] Tents, 5 in a Tent, they are all together, better, than those with 15 in.  I expect we shall put up put Tents up today & then we will be settled

Love to Mother, Maggie
Charlie Rosa & the Same yourself.
I remain hoping to hear from you soon

Manley

Camp Chase
Near Washington
Dec 3rd /62

Dear Father

I wrote to you yesterday all the News I could hear, & more I will try again.

Yesterday afternoon We put up our Tents, They are called [Wedge] Tents & will Accomodate a Squad of 5 men. My Squad, has the following Boys in. G [W] Warren B Francisco W Waters & A Hunt.

There is a Rumor of our Going into Winter Quarters, near Alexandria. This is what, our Lieut says. You may be sure, is would please us. I think if we do, we shall go into some Fort, where the Accomodations would be better.

The 115, 125, 126 & the 39th Left here a few moments since, for Alexandria, there to take the Cars, for Manassas Cap, where they are going to do Guard Duty. The 126th got their Guns, last night at 10 PM.

We have got Marching Orders & will most likely leave here tomorrow. Our Quartermaster has gone to the City, for our Arms this AM. We are to have, the same we had before, the Springfield Rifled Musket. They are a Splendid little piece, but are hard to keep Clean & Bright.

Secretary Seward was up to our Camp, last night, his Daughter Nelly & another Lady was with him. He look [sic] a great deal older & paler than when I last saw him. He told us we must keep our Arms this time & not let them be taken away. He said [he] has furnished Arms for both Armies so far I hardly know what we shall do yet, but I think we shall pretty soon.

Our boys would not object to Guarding a Rail Road, there we could take some Comfort, & fix up a little.

We got our Horses yesterday & Baggage Waggons [sic]. we have got some old Cavalry Horses. They have not been hitched up together & make nice work. Just as I am writing this, I saw a Funeral Escort, The Band playing a March, & the boys marching with Arms Reversed. This is one of the Sadest [sic] Sights, we have to see, Bringing the Boys so far away from home. You would be surprised if I should tell you that we, our Co, only muster 44 men, fit for Duty. There is a great many of our Boys sick. And then there is another thing, four out of the Six men we have lost, both that have died & were killed, were out of my Squad at the Ferry. Little did I think so many of us would Die.

You should see me this morning, writing in Front of a Tent by a little Fire, in a pan, writing this. I tell you it is some of an Effort to write here, It is quite cold here this morning, with a cold wind Blowing. I am in a hurry, for those Boots to come. These are all, breaking out, & are not fit for muddy weather. Army Shoes are not fit for the mud here.

To day the Boys are Cooking their two days Rations. How are you going to send the Trunk, by Williams, or how will you. I do not think he would bring any thing for me. Barney I think will be one of the Buglers, I spoke to the Chief Bugler about him, & he says if he will suit he will have him. It is a nice place for a man, especially in Battle[s]

Hoping to hear from you soon

Manley

Camp Casey
Co D 111 Regt NYSV
Dec 7th /62

Mr Charles Stacey

Dear Sir

As yesterday was your Birthday, I wish you many happy returns of the day.  And I hope you, enjoyed yourself better than I did.

I wrote to Father, last Thursday morning Just as we was leaving Camp Chase, & Suppose you have got that.  We left the Camp about 9,30 AM, & marched, South towards Fairfax Seminary, we marched past the Seminary, (a Splendid Building, now used for a Hospital) to our present Camp, but a very Short distance, from it arriving there, about 3 PM,

We had no sooner, broke Ranks, when our Co was Detailed to go on Picket, about 5 miles west, towards Fairfax Court House.  You may be sure this did not set well, as we had no Rations, to take with us, & was tired out.  We left the Camp & after a very tedious March, got there about 8 PM,  We were assigned a post about a mile north & dragged ourselves to the Post, & worried the night away as best we could.

The next morning about 9 AM it commenced to rain & soon to Snow, Then our Troubles, began we had no Shelter, right out in an open Field. 

In the afternoon I found out a Farm House & got me a Dinner, that did me a great deal of good. There I learned how to make Hoe Cake, They make a large Cake & bake it right on top of the Stove, with out Griddle.

At night we [drew] the Pickets in towards a Large Woods, there we [made] us houses of our Blankets & built up large Fires.  But it was so cold we could not sleep.  Yesterday afternoon we were relieved after being out 48 hours & Right Glad we were to come back to Camp.

We got here again about 8 PM, & built up some fire in a Stove in our Tent but it is so cold here, that we can hardly keep from freezing.  Our Camp is on the top of a hill, about [9] miles west of Alexandria . But what makes things worse, our QM traded our Tents off & we got the [Sibly] Tents, holding 15,  They are poor miserable ones & if this is to be Winter Quarters, a great many will not see Spring.

While on Picket, all the Rations we had was a Loaf of Bread apiece for 48 hours.  This we would not have had, had it not been for our Colonel, who bought it himself & sent it to us.  Our QM, has been off on a Drunk & has not been seen here until yesterday. What kind of a state of things do you call this, here we are within 12 miles from Washington & can not Draw Rations.

I will not deny that on Friday night & yesterday, I was homesick & totally discouraged. I do not like being used like this.  When it is unnecsary [sic].  It is a great shame.  And then to be sent off on Picket, 5 miles, without Rations & no Ammunition, Suppose we had been Attacked that night or while there, what could we have done.  Our Pickets have been fired into on the Post & it is, a rather responsible one.  It was the most foolish thing I ever saw.

While on Picket we arrested a Spy & sent him to Washington. He did not pretend

(editor’s note: rest of this letter is missing)

Camp near Fairfax Sem
Dec 8th /62

Dear Father

I wrote you a letter yesterday, & will write you again to day.  I received your letter last night about 6 PM & was very glad to hear from you again.

I hope Alec will come, pretty soon as I need my Boots very much, these I have got, are all worn out & are not fit to wear, especially in the snow.  I do not think it best for you to send me any Apples, ( a barrel I mean), it will cost so much, & then there is no chance to get, it up from the City.  Apples are very dear here we have to deny ourselves these things now.  I should not object to a few, in my boots, when sent I would not object to a little Dried fruit, so that we could [stew], them here.  I do not think I need, any Buttons & [thread], I have got plenty of both. I would like a towel or two & a few pins.  The Mittens I shall not object too, though do not need them now.

I shall be very glad to get the Watch, as I need it on Picket, or on Guard.

Yesterday was, an awful cold & windy day.  At night we drew Rounds of Cartridges, the story was, that they were expecting us to be attacked during the night.  All nonsense.  In about a week if we stay here, we shall live a little more comfortable,  We have taken the 15th Connecticut’s place & their Tents.  Some of them have got Floors in, & will be more comfortable, for Winter Quarters.

The story is now, that we are to stay here & are, to go out on Picket twice a week.  I do not like the idea of this in the Winter.  I would rather go nearer, the City.  Only two Papers a day, are granted, but it is to far from the City, to go there in a day, it is about 12 miles.

I hardly know yet whether our Colonel, will be Brigadier Genl, or not.  I hope he will.  I sincerely hope our QM, will be [Cashiered] & that Moor will take his place, this would suit us all.  What did Moor, say about my promotion, or had he not heard any thing about it.

You may be sure I shall not object to being Sergt.  you may be sure. Then I can carry a Sword, as Sergts, carry them. 

I expect some of us will have to go on Picket again to day, or tomorrow. I dread the 6 mile walk, with my boots, I shall have wet feet.  I hope Moore, will come, this week, certainly.

We are not drawing full Rations, not have we at any time.  We had Dress Parade last night, it was so cold that we almost Froze.  I tell you this life is tough, in Winter.  But the winter only lasts this month & next, then the Mud.  Winter has fairly set in here.

I dreamed last night that Willie Vandermark was dead.

I do not know of any more News to write, now but will write soon again.  I would like a little paper & some Envelopes. I received the Money all right, never needed it more in my life.

Please write again Soon

Love to all Mother Maggie Charlie Rosa & the same for yourself.

Should like to home with you at Christmas & New Years, tip top.

Please write soon

Manley

I wish you would send me some cough medicine.

(second letter)

On Picket, 9 miles west of Alexandria, Dec 8th 62

Dear Father

After I wrote to you this morning, we were ordered into line again to go on Picket.  It looks now like being out here, two thirds of the time,  I do not like the Idea, of walking out here twice a week.  I would rather stay out for a week at a Time, if they only furnished us Rations enough.

We are now stationed in a large woods, on a Side hill.  We have made us little huts of Boughs, of trees & can make out to live a little more comfortable, than I did before.

I spoke to Hoy to day,  he says he has not had a Letter from his wife, since October.  Perhaps you had better Direct some Envelopes for her.  He wants to know which one of his Children was hurt.

Just about 6 PM, Officer of the Day, came around & told, us to conceal, our Fires as much as possible, to fire two Guns off in case of trouble,  The orders, were very strict, about halting men, & in case we were attacked, to rally together.

This is that same place that [McClenans] Army had Pickets out & where they fired into one another.  This is a mighty pleasant place to be on Picket & the Farthest ones out at that.  But then that is the Excitement of the Thing.

Dec 9th 10 AM.  We had a pretty good time last night, no excitement I have just got your letter, on Picket, & need not tell you, how glad I was to get it, I never had a letter do me more good.  the Stamps, came All right. I want you to keep an account, of it. I do not want you to be anything out by it.

Barney is on Picket, Corporal of the Guard.

I shall be glad to get the Trunk you may be sure.  I think we can get the Trunk brought up in one of the Baggage Waggon [sic] or Commissary’s Waggon.

We have had some pretty had times, the past few days, but to day it is a splendid day, nice & warm, just like Spring.  It looks now like, our having Winter Quarters here.  The story is now, that our Regt has got to come, out on Picket, once a week.  This will be better.

I will try & write you almost every day, for I love to hear from you often.  I must send this in by one of the boys, so that it will go out.  I will answer, the letter tomorrow & may have more news.

Please send me a Good Thick, Diary as some days, I want to write more than one page, I will send mine home at the end of the Year.  The name of our Camp is, Camp Pomeroy, I made a mistake

Write soon

Love to all

Manley

Camp Pomeroy
Co D 111th Regt NYSV
Dec 10th

Dear Father

I had a Splendid time on Picket yesterday, it was so nice & warm. In the day time we have no guards posted, only from 5 PM, to 6 AM. In the day time we can do as we like, only not go far away, from Camp.  Our Rations, are one loaf of Bread a day,

I knew what was the matter of Billy Sharp, but I would not be mean enough to write that home, to make His folks feel bad.  That came from where all such stories come.

I have heard nothing lately about my Promotion, but shall do soon.  I hope you will send the Trunk by that Mr Budlong of the 8th Cavalry, then you can send me more things.

I think I get the Papers you send & am very glad to get them.  They are about all the News we get.

I am afraid if they try to get Recruits in Lyons, they will be disappointed.  Any man is a Fool to enlist, in a Regt that has been in the Field.  and especially in this Regt. I never would advise any one to Enlist the way this war is carried on.

If they Promote a Corporal over me, I shall go to the Ranks no mistake.  If the Capt is going to do any thing, I wish he would do it now, and let a man draw the Extra pay, what is the use of waiting.  Capt is so awful slow, he takes things so cool.

We heard some heavy [Firing] in the Direction of Washington, the AM. Probably Salutes.

I guess you may put me in a (unreadable) [  ] of Soup.   the soup we get here is so Poor.

We have had two pretty good days for Picket duty, this time, expect soon to be relieved again & then 6 miles through the mud again.  we have drawn all our Acoutriments, now, & are all ready for Action.

We hear nothing different about pay if we are paid, it will only be for two months, as we were not Mustered, but for [five] months.  now what do you think of Protecting such mens Property as this.

there is an old man near here, that told the Boys, if Virginia was a free State he would leave it in a moment, that he would not live in a Free State.

Our Capt of Co B, told us to burn his Corded wood, that he meant to live on them.  We have had orders not to burn wood that was piled up.  But of course we do not obey such orders.

I hope you will not forget to send me some Paper & envelopes.  This I need.  I shall be very glad to get the Boots, I need them more than anything else.

I never [ ] said, anything to you about Danl Hutchings, he has been trying to get his discharge, ever since we left & he had hardly done any duty & is always going to the doctor to get Excuse from Duty & alwasy commences to Groan when the Capt is around. I think he will be reduced.  Capt does not like him at all.  There is not a boy in the Co that likes him.

2,30 PM. We have Just returned from Picket & had our Dinners. We have just moved into another tent with a Stove & a good Floor. We have got a Frying Pan & everything convenient to Cook. the [Fixtures] (ed:unreadable).

(editor’s note: the following fragment probably goes with this letter)

a piece.  If this is our winter Quarters we can have pretty good times.

You can not imagine, how nasty & dirty, it is here, Mud about 6 inches deep & awful at that.  We had 6 miles to walk in it, this morning, with an old Pair of shoes, my Boots not being fit to [wear].

When we get our pay about 25 in the Co are going to have a Soldiers Record.  With Company Comissioned & Non Comiss Officers & the Privates.  It is a pretty thing & only costs a $1,00  It will be a splendid thing for future [Refference] It is sent so that, we can send them home.

the order has just come around for us to clean up our Guns & get ready for Drill Parade.  Tomorrow we have to Drill again I am in hopes the change in our Non Commiss Staff.  I think it will be pretty soon.

December 11th 6,30 AM. We now have to get up at 6 AM, Roll Call Drill, From 11 to 1, officers, Drill.  One dinner, 2 to 3,30 Drill, Dress Parade at 4 PM, Supper at 6 PM, [Tatoo] 8, Taps at 8,30.  So you see, that our time is pretty well filled up.  They seem to be determined to keep us busy.

I do not know of any more news to write now. I hope to hear from you before I write again

Love to all

Manley

Dear Mother

I am glad to hear from you again.  I am sorry that Franciscos folks, heard that letter read, it will make Williams my enemy.  You should have seen the Letter that he wrote to Barney.  It was Shameful.  I do not blame father But I do blame Francisco.  And then [K…] wrote to Barney & he read it to the boys.  But then it can not be helped now.

Now Mother, nothing would suit me better than you to take my Money to part pay on the House.  You had right to have the Money for your last Springs work at S.

I do not think you are more any more glad to hear from me, than I am, to hear from you,  I like nothing better than to sit down & write a letter home.  but I do not like to have them Published.

You asked me, if Fruit was plenty, It is but, very poor Apples cost 2[] cts a piece.  [I] Do [ ] to eat many of them at that rate.  I would not send the Trunk by Express, it costs too much. 

Though I never object to the nice things I am just getting so I can eat Army Rations.  I can now eat Raw Pork & Bacon. Now we have to Fry Pork & dip our Bread in the gravy.  I wish you could see us on picket, make our Coffee in a tin Cup, Fry our Pork in a Plate & then eat our bread.  I never thought I could live so, but we have to come too [sic] it.

I am getting quite stout & fat, though I do not know what on.  This I know I am getting quite Lazy, but do not think I shall be to Lazy to work, when my Time is out.  Far from it.

The boys say that my Face is getting better. This I know I shall be swiftly Taned [sic] up, but I do not care for that, as long as I keep healthy.

I do not think as you do that we shall go into Field this winter.  I was talking with the Capt of Co B & he says this [will] be our winter Quarters & that we will most likely come out here on Picket once in 8 days.  This will not be very bad, especialy [sic] if the war closes by Spring.  I hardly know what to think of that.  I have talked with some of the [strong] Secesh & they say it never will be until we give them what they ask for.

I wish you would send me Neck ties.  You may wonder that I do not write all that I [want] at the same time, but you would not if you saw where I write.  Father asked me why I did not send, home [Hatties] letters, I thought I did. I wonder if he thinks I have nothing else to do, than to write to the Girls.

Please write soon.

Manley

Dear Rosa Stacey

I received your welcome letter & would say, that I have received your letters & am very much obliged for them.  I have kept neglecting to write to you, but will try & do better in the future.  I shall try & send some Rabit [sic] Skins home so that mother, can make you a muff.  they are very nice & cheap.  I suppose before I see you, you will have another Birth Day.  of course you are in a Hurry for it.

I hope you hang up, one of my old Stockings for me, as I shall not be there, to do it.  you be sure & see that it is done up right.  I suppose you have great times riding around the Country, on that Famous Pony, I want you & Charlie to learn a Tune called, Rally round the Flag Boys, to sing when I come home.

My love to you & Maggie. Kiss her for me.

Manley

Camp Pomeroy
Co D 11th Regt NYSV
Dec 11th /62

Dear Father

I wrote you a little about our Daily duties, & now I will tell you how strict they are.  We can not pass the Guard, for anything, Not even to get water, all [th..] way, we can get water, is to [run] the guard.  This will soon be played out as the boys, will have water. & all they want. 

One of our Boys heard the Lieut Col, say that he was going to be Just as strict with us, as the Military Law will allow, for six months & then if he could not do anything with us he would Resign.

We have got four Cases of the small Pox on the Ground & all the boys, in our Co, have just gone to the Hospital to be Vacinated [sic].  I hope none of them will get it.  If the boys in our Co get it I shall nurse them but not any other.  They can not Detail me for any such Duty.

This is a very nice warm Day, here just like spring, but so muddy. I am glad Mother does not live here.  How many times I have been glad, that You did not live South, Everyone has to suffer here, both Union & Secesh.

You can not imagine how desolate the Country is, everything is destroyed. This part of the Country will not get over the effects of this war, in a great many years.

The Timber is all being cut off, fences are burned up, Orchards cut down, & everything going to waste. this used to be a Beautiful country here, around Fairfield Seminary & now, it looks different.

I suppose we shall have to go on Picket tomorrow, I wish my boots were here.  All the Men that we could raise, the other Time, for Picket Duty, out of the Co, was 25.  Our Co is greatly reduced.  We have got so many sick ones, & more are getting Sick everyday.  I do not know of a man, in the Co that has not got a Cold & some very bad ones.  I have had one ever since we got to Chicago.  a great many have Sore Throats, I am troubled a litte with that.  It is a wonder that more are not Sick, than are, we are so Exposed.

the boys in our Squad talk of getting up a Christmas dinner, if we can & are not on duty.  I do not know how we will succeed yet . The best note that I have heard, about meat here is this, Albert hunt said he bought some Sausage & that he found a piece of meat inside marked US.  He meant a piece of horse with that mark.

I heard to day that you were going to send the Trunk this week, by Mr Budlong, I hope this is so, If it comes, I expect we shall be on the Picket.  We will have to go on tomorrow, & be relieved on Sunday, morning next.

Our Col is now, acting as Brigadier Genl.  We are now in the First Brigade Casey’s Division.  The story is around that we have got to move, again 4miles from here.  this I guess, is all a Story. & I hope will not prove true.

I will now tell you, what we got in our Squad, with the Tent.  Three good Axes, Two Kettles, a Wash Dish a nice, Camp Stove, & a great many other small things.  Just what we need, here. I do not think, we shall be in Action, this winter, but then we may be.  I should rather lay here all winter, you may be sure than have to March around the Country.

One of our boys, Shot a Rebel last night, on Picket.  They stand but a poor chance, with our Boys.  I little expected to get a letter from Home, to day, but did not.

Friday morning Dec 12th 4,30 AM

How different, I can write you this morning, from what I did last night.  Then I told you we had winter Quaters, now we have marching orders, for what place none of us know.  Last night at 8 PM, the Cooks, were ordered to Cook two day Rations, at 12, we got our Rations At 4 Roll call. & now we are packing up our things & getting ready to Strike our Tents & at a moments notice.

This proves that we can not tell what an hour may bring forth.  I am very sorry that we did not stay here, until the trunk, came, but we can not.  Some Say that we are only going to change our Position, [ ] that we have got to move 4 miles.  others, which I consider, the most likely story that we are going to reiinforce Siegel.  Some say, we are going to have a Two days march.  At any rate, we can not tell now.

I do not like this Night business, Destroying a mans Rest.  but then this is what we came for.

I got a letter from Thomas Hooker, yesterday, he has not been as well since we left, & thinks he shall have to stay, then two or three weeks yet. I sent his letters on to him, today.

I must now close, as I have not Packed up my Knapsack yet

With love to all & will write to you as soon as we get settled

Kiss the Girls for me

Manley

Camp Vermont
3 miles South of Alexandria
Dec 12th /62

Dear Father

I wrote to you yesterday just as we were leaving Camp Pomeroy, that we were again ordered to move, but knew not whither.  We left the Camp about 9 AM & marched about 3 miles South, to a Barracks, just Vacated by the 12th Vermont, there we unslung Knapsacks, & commenced fixing up, expecting to stay there & were congratualting our selves, on our nice Quarters, when we were again ordered to Fall into line, & give place to the 4th Delaware.

You can imagine how nice we felt having to give up our Quarters.

About 4 PM, we marched about a 4 mile farther South to the 16th Vermonts Ground.  we are here now not knowing whether we shall stay of move, 1/2 a mile, west, on a Side Hill.

this Camp is fixed for Stockade Tents, It is laid up with Logs, about 6 logs high, about 6 feet Square & the A Tents, put on top, so it look [sic] a great deal like a house. If we stay here we can take comfort 

Barney, Albert, H, H Warren & myself, have got one with a Stove inside a Stone (or rather marble) floor, the Stone (marble) brought from an old Mansion, not far from here. We have got everything nice & convenient.

I wish you could see us together when we are Cooking our Meals, on our little Stove. We are making a great many plans, what we are going to do, but we may be disappointed yet.

A cousin of Mason, of Mason and [Stidell], notoriety, lives but a very short distance from here.  Our Troops are Guarding his peoperty.  He is a Clear Secessionist.

We have got several cases of Small Pox in Camp, I am now sitting, by one of our boys, Philip Clouse¹ of Lock Berlin, who is all broke out, & it looks to me a great deal like the Small Pox.  The Doctor has not been to see him yet, so I do not know whether it is that or not.  If it is, I have promised him, to take care of him.  He begged so hard for me to, that I could not refuse.  Perhaps you may not, approve of this, but do you think, I could see one of our own boys, suffer, for the want of care.  Before I finish this I will let you know how it is.

I got your letter this AM & Paper, I think I get all the Papers you send, & am very glad to get the things in the Box, & think I shall be able to go down to Alexandria & get, some of the Teamsters to bring it up for me.

I think it is a Mistake about our being paid off, it looks no more like it now, than it has before.   I do not think we shall be paid off until next month, or until we are mustered again.  That is the way it looks now to me.

I have not suffered as much, for the want of boots, as you may think, to be sure it has been very cold but I am now sitting, in my shirt sleeves, with out any cover over my head & feel warm.  The weather here is very changable It is cold for two or three days & then it turns right around & is quite warm & pleasant.  You would think it was Spring if you were here to day.

Tell mother not to worry so much, about me, I fare better than she seems to think. I am healthy feeling good, In good Spirits & contented & what more do I need I can get along anywhere. Does mother think that if I was sorry that I had Enlisted, I should own it, no sir, too much Stacey about me for that. Mother must not worry so much about me. do not think, we do not enjoy ourselves at all, or that it is all Hardships, it would be singular if it was. I for one am not in the least sorry, that I have done, what I have, I have learned & seen a great, deal & shall do all the time.  I have thought that the Capt was down hearted for awhile past, but said nothing about it

(editor’s note: the above line was struck as in the letter. Following below are two undated letter fragments that seems to go with this letter contextually.)

I shall give Mother a Lecture if she writes any more such Letters, & will cease Corresponding with her.  When we enlisted the Service, we did not expect we was going to live as we had been used too [sic], it would be impossible, with so large an Army, we expected to see some rough Times & not all sunshine .

You would not think I suffered much, if you could see how fat I am getting. I never have been healthier in my life. Nor do I think I have been in better Spirits; to be sure, I get discouraged once in a while but who would not, going through what we have.

I would like a little money to settle a few Debts, if we are not paid off, which I am afraid we will not be just yet. I can assure you, I shall not be very sorry to get the box & the Good things & will Try & do justice to them.

If I knew where Milliards People, lived, I should most certainly go & see them, but I do not. Our Co has gone out on Picket Duty to day, for four days, I am excused as I was on Guard yesterday & last night.  I was not sorry, as I feel quite worn out to day.

I can not tell you yet, what Regts, are in our Brigade but soon shall be able to.  There is almost, if not all of Caseys, Division encamped [right] around here.  They are all fixing to stay, but they may be disappointed as we were.  I should much prefer, being held as Reserves, to protect Washington, such a thing might be possible.

I hardly know, whether, our Col will succeed in getting to be Brigadier or not.  For my part I hope he will, then we shall not be under him as much as we was. There will be an [ ] time in the Regt, if the [ ]

Pox spreads much, One thing is certain I shall nurse no one out of the Company. Several have spoken to me about it, in [their] companies but I have refused. The doctor had just been to see him and says that he has got Small Pox & that it is coming out Finely. We have got to take him over to the Hospital at Fairfax Seminary, in a rough Army Waggon [sic], because we have got no Ambulances. I pity the poor boys, it reminds me of my ride. I think we have got two or three more, coming down with it. The measles is prevailing also in Camp. I spoke to the Capt this morning & he says he thinks the Small Pox will spread through the Company. I hope he will not get it. If there is no nurses in the Hospital I shall [stay]

(ed: next fragment)

There. 9 PM. I have just brought [Clouse] to the Hospital, but shall [not stay] with him, as he is to be sent to Washington to the Small Pox Hospital.

I rode over here with a Contraband, that used to work for Squire [Milliard]. He said that [they], used to live at Fairfax Court house, but that he thought they had sold out. I learned a great deal from him. I shall go back to Camp, tomorrow but hate to leave the boys, to suffer alone.

Hoping to hear from you soon

Love to all

Manley