Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Vermont
Dec 15th /62

Dear Father

I have not got my box yet, but expect to tomorrow.  I got a Pass, this morning for Alexandria, expecting to find it at the Express Office, but did not find it.  It will most likely come there to day & then I can send for it. There is no new cases of the Small Pox, in our Company yet, though several are complaining. I am in hopes no one else will get it.

I wrote in my last, that Clouse would be sent to Washington this is a mistake, they are to be kept near the Seminary. they are to have good care & to be Nursed by an old Doctor.

There is but little news in Camp now, the boys are fixing up their Quarters. I was very much disappointed in Alexandria, I expected to see a nice Clean City, but found narrow Dirty streets & everythin looking miserable.

Dec 16th, 11 AM.  I got my watch this morning from Granger, I like it very much, it looks as if it would keep good time. I have not got the bundle, but shall as soon as he unpacks his Trunk.  I have not got the Box yet, and am afraid, I shall not get it to day.  I could not get a pass again to day.

I am not as certain, as you are about our being paid off, there is no signes [sic] of it here.  I think I get all the Papers you send, for I get a Paper almost every day.

My cough is almost well, but I have not got rid of my cold, do not be alarmed about me, I shall take care of my self, you may be sure.

I do not think I shall need a vest.  I have not so far, but then I may, for all that The Major, says that if we stay here 10 days, that we shall stay here all winter, or in their words, if we are not ordered to reinforce Burnside, we are all right for th winter.

The Mail leaves the Camp every morning at 9 AM, & gets here about 5 PM, every day.

I have got plenty of Diareeah Medicine, enough to last a great while.

Dont you be alarmed, about my volunteering to do work, that is played out I have got to day to do that.  I have found out, that you make nothing by it.

I do not think you had better send me a Cap, the Col says he will not, let the boys, wear any other kind of Caps than our Fatique.  He is going to have the Regt, wear white Leggins.  They will look well on Parade.

If we stay here any length of time, I expect we shall have to go to Alexandria to be reviewed, the other boys that were here, had too [sic].  You can come from Washington to Alexandria here in about for 20 cts, but you will have, to get a pass.

I am glad you had the box sent to A, for if you had sent it to W, I do not know when I should have got it.  I shall be glad to get the Dried fruit for we can stew it on a little stove we have in our Tent.  we are just getting settled down & can take things, more comfortable now, that is if we stay.

I am going to get a pass some day & go to Mount Vernon, it is only 5 miles from here. that is only a short walk for me now. I could stand the Marching around the Country, if it was not for the Heavy Knapsack, that is what is killing. I can walk off 5 or 10 miles with out feeling it, if it was not for that.

did Aleck, get his furlough renewed or not, if he did not I think he will have trouble.  He did not need a Furlough, half as much as a great many of our boys, that have been worse than him.

The Rumor here is that our Col has failed in being a Brig genl, if that is so, we hope he will resign. Our Lieut col, has changed a great deal, since his sickness, he takes more interest in the boys now, than before.

Barney does not like it, because they published, his letter & especially his asking his Mother for a 1/2 bushel of Doughnuts.

do you think [Tinsly] will send you the Republican, next year, if I thought he would not, I would write off not more letter[s] for him.  I see he says, he shall discard the [Free] [List] next year.

the boys that have the small Pox, are getting along finely, none of them are very sick. We have got no new cases.

enclosed you will find a Sample of the Pants, worn in the Army.  I wish Mother would get something like this & make me a pair of pants.  The pants we got are miserable & last but a very short time.  I wish mother would make me a pair like my Best Black ones with the Pockets cut straight across the top, or else like the black ones, with a button, & please put straps on & a watch Pocket.  the pants cost $3,03 here  & I think Mother could get me up a pair a great deal better & would cost but a little more.  If mother could & you should get a chance to send them I should be glad.  I hate to ask mother to do it, knowing she has plenty to do, but then I will pay her some day, with Interest, for these things.

I have had pretty easy times, for the past few days, while the Co has been on Picket, Al & I have taken comfort.

(ed. note: remainder missing)

Dec 16th 6 PM

I have just got your letter of the 12th, & will answer it in this.

In regard to that Paper, I can say that I did not put that in the box.  The box had been laying around & some one had used it. I can say that is not the kind of reading I prefer.  it is usless [sic] your warning me, in that matter, I have seen the consequences & have learned a lesson.  That is one thing I am free from, & I am glad to say so.

I hope you will explain, to Francisco & Williams.  Aleck wrote a letter to Barney, & in that he called me a Son of a B-.  So you can judge how mad he is.  Of course I have no special objection, to your publishing my letters, if you choose to do so,  That is if there is any news in them.

I think I shall get my Box, from A to morrow, I shall send down by one of the Teamsters.  I am getting in a hurry to get it.  I am sure I should be very glad to see you out here at any time.  And then you could see a great deal of Country.

Will write again soon

Manley

———————-

Mother

I think it is [ ] asking me to write every day, dont you think so.

I think our Capt is very slow & have thought so all the time.  the reason why I did not ask the Capt, to excuse me from Picket Duty, was, we have got too many in our Co, that always have an excuse, so they need not do duty.

You ask me how we cook,  We have got a Co Cook, but then we cook a little Extra, once in awhile.  We Fry our Pork in a plate cook our Coffee in a Cup & had our Water in a Cup to wash our dishes.  We have no [Conveniences] for Squad Cooking.

I expect to see a great change in Charlie, if I get home again.

You may be sure if any ot the Corporals are promoted over me, that I shall resign.  I like to see things done right.

We are in hopes that we shall not be ordered away from here, we like these Quarters very much, & think we could take comfort here.  As soon as our QM is removed, we shall fare a little better, this I hopw will be done very soon

I will write again as soon as I get the Box

Manley

——————–

Dec 16th

Charles

I have got a pair of Brass Shoulder Plates, for you & will send them home, as soon as I get a chance.  I am getting all the Different Styles of cartridges I can to send home.

How are you getting along now days.  I have heard there has been Sleiging [sic] in Wanye Co, if that is so I suppose, you have had some fine rides, with Sarah.  I would like very much to take a ride with you, but we are in bigger business now.

Al & I have been keeping Bachlors Hall for the past few days & have some fine times.  We had Boiled Rice to day & it was a little burned.  Al wanted to know why they did not keep the Coal out, I wish you could see how they drive 4 horses here with one line, It would be a novelty to you.

I must now quit as I have my night Wood to get in & prepare for Night.  It has been a windy day here, the wind blows pretty strong & shakes our Tent a great deal.  Write Soon

From a Fellow Prisoner

(Love to Sarah)

Manley

——————–

camp Vermont
Dec 18th /62

I have not recd the Box yet, though it is at Alexandria. I got a pass for the City to day & went to the Express Office, it had come but as I did not have the Receipt I could not get it. I had let one of the Teamsters have it, to get the box, for me. I shall get it in the morning, certain.

I went to the Marshall House to day, where Elsworth was Shot & saw the Stain Case. I should have got a piece of the Stains if I could. I went around the City a great deal today, & had a pretty good view of the City.

All we are afraid of now is being ordered to join Burnside, if we get clear of this we are all right. We are hearing some very bad news from Fredricksburg, altogether different from what we anticipated.

8 PM. I have just got your last letter of the 15th, & two papers from home, & was very glad to get them. we have not moved far as you will see, & we hope not to move. I do not think I shall have any trouble in selling the boots, if you send them, though, I shall not need them.

I do not know how we shall succeed in our [Dinner], but think we shall have one if we are here. You know that any letters directed to me at Washington 111th Regt will come all right, no matter where we are. You should see us now, H Warren, Barney & myself, writing Letters home sitting on our Bunk. To night we have been out & drawn a small Kettle, to Cook things on our Stove, it is just what we need.

Mother does not think it is as cold here, as it is in New York, to be sure we have some cold days & then we have a great many warm ones.

I will write you a good long letter as soon as the Box arrives. I am anxious to get it.

Our Regt had Battillion Drill this PM. I went to the Lieut Col, this AM & got him to sign a pass for me to go to the city, for my box. He is a great deal pleasanter then Segoine. It is rumored here that Segoine, is going to resign, we hope this is True.

I got the Stamps to night in the Letters all right. we see no signs of pay yet, but hope we will soon. We soon will have been in the Service 5 months soon, the 6th of next month.

One week from to day is Christmas, how I would like to be home then. I think I shall remember Home that day, of all others. The watch runs good, offered $16 for it to day, like it very much.

I do not think we shall have much Picket Duty to do this Winter, I think it will be building forts. I did not tell you that I had to work on a fort the other day, did I. I did not think Corporals would have to work like that

Will write soon again

Manley

6 PM

Camp Vermont
Co D 111th Regt NTSV

Dear Father

This morning at 7,30 we were again ordered out to do Fatigue Duty at Fort [Legon] [2nd].  We marched over & then the Seargents & Corporals, were excused from doing duty, so all we had to do was to look around the country.  I helped a lady, draw some water & carried it for her to wash, & she gave me some Fried Cakes & Apples. I wished myself home doing the same work.

they call the fort, that we are working on, Fort [Legon], but this will not be the name. It is not very large only holding 12 Guns, but still there is a great deal of work to do on it.  The Largest Gun mounted, is about 60 [Pd].  You would be surprised if you came through this country, to see how many Forts there is here.  There is a regular chain of Forts all around this side of Washington.  We would like no better fun, than to Garrison some of these Forts.  there is a Sergt that has command of the Fort that we are building, that has risen from the Ranks, to his present position. He is a Civil Engineer & gets as much pay as a Brig Genl.

I will now describe our house.  It is built of Logs about 3 feet length & about 8 feet Square.  On one side, we have two bunks, a Stove in one corner, we are now living comfortable. All the trouble is who shall build the fire in the morning.

When I got back from the Forts, I found my Box. You may be sure it did not take us long to open it. To night we had Sausage & bread and butter, & now feel a little better. My Boots fit tip top, I like them very much. I have had a great many visitors to night because I have got a box.

I am getting ready to pull my stripes off, I think from all appearances now, a fellow by the Name of Catlin from Lodus, will be the next Sergt. Green and Granger are working for him. and trying to get him in. He is 7th Corporal. Just as soon as the order is read on Dress Parade, if it is so, I shall go to the Capt, & resign. I like to see fair Play. I thing [sic] the order will be read, tomorrow on Sunday.

6,30 AM Dec 20th.  Just been out to roll Call.  we have got to go on Fatigue duty to day. This has been a very cold night, but will be a warm day. To day I can Christen the new Boots.

This old fellow that we are guarding his property, is a Brother of Masons, not a Cousin. I would like that Business.

They are hurrying up the Fort we are working on, in case Jackson comes towards Washington. It would be all right if we got extra pay but we will not.

Tell Mother I am very much obliged for the nice things she has sent, they taste good to us.

Hoping to hear from you again Soon

Manley

Camp Vermont
Dec 21st /62

Dear Father

Yesterday we went out on Fatigue¹ Duty, but got excused about 9 AM.  It was a very cold day, a great deal like winter. To day it is nice & warm. I never saw such changable weather in my life, one day it is very cold & the next it is just as warm.

This morning a part of the Regt were out on Picket. Our Co did not have to go this time. The boys have Just gone over to the Seminary, to bring one of our men John Johnson². He is Father to that man, that was Discharged, & brought his things home in my Trunk. He was over 60 Years old & has alwasy been Sick.

No more of the boys have come down with the Small Pox yet, though I think some more have been Exposed. Clouse is getting along finely, he has not been very Sick. I should go over & see him, but they would raise a row about it.

Sunday night 7 PM. To night at Dress Parade, our Ambulance corp was read, we have two men in our Co, Their Duty is to pick up the Dead on the Field of Battle & bury them. Not a very Desirable situation,

I think While I am writing this one of the boys Tents are burning up, the boys are getting very careless, three of Co Bs boys Tents burnt up last night. A fire in Camp, causes as much Excitement, as a Fire home does.

We have got not more Picket Duty to do for the Present, we have Fatigue Duty for a while This will be easy for me. The Mail has not come in yet & I am most afraid it will not come in to night.

Monday morning 6,30 AM. We got no mail as usual last night. It is 20 miles from this Camp to Washington, to far for a horse to go every day. They are trying to make arrangements to have the Mail come to Alexandria, if not to go from Alexandria to W, by boat. I do not care how they fix it if we only get the Mail every day. We feel lonesome without the Mail. Fatigue Duty again to day.

Why in the World dont Aleck come, I thought he was to leave home, last wednesday. the boys are getting to see him.

 Everything looks now like our making this our Winter Quarters. Of course we hope it is. The QM is doing a little better with the Rations, Yesterday we drew Potatoes [sic]

Hoping to hear from You very Soon

Manley

¹ What is “fatigue duty”?:  Any non military related duty of any kind: cleaning, digging, building, etc..

camp Pomeroy
8 miles South of Alexandria
Co D 11th Regt NYSV
Dec 23/62

Dear Father

After a very long delay, I got your letter & five papers to night. I was glad to hear from you again. I got a letter also to night from Mr Cookingham, from Lock Berlin, asking me if I was taking care of Philip Clouse, also asking me me how he was & if he needed anything. Clouse was taken to Washington, two days ago, so I can not see him. We have seen nothing of Aleck yet, & are wondering why he does not come.

I am very glad to get the Papers, as I have nothing to do, while on Fatigue Duty & then I would have a fine chance to read.

You may be sure we shall be glad to get the Trunk by [Budlong], & shall be sure to think of home, that day. I am in hopes of getting a pair of Pants, from home, they will be so much better than Army ones.

I cant be bothered with writing a letter to the Republican.

I shall be very glad to hear or see you, at any time, here.

there has been a great change in Lieut Green, since his promotion, he is not like the same man. He does not seem to take as much interst in the boys, as he did. He gets no $1,00 from me, to buy a Sword.

I have not been PM, since leaving Chicago, the mail comes to the Capts first, & we get it there. there is some talk in the regt of when the fort is done that we are Building, of our being turned into Heavy Artillery & go into it. Green, says he should not be at all surprised. nothing would suit me better. There would be no moving around the Country. I will give you a description of the fort we are building.

To night we have sent out some men to Reinforce our Pickets, the Pickets that were out, brought in 5 Rebel Prisoners & they said that Stewarts Cavalry was going to drive in on our Pickets to night & that they would make a [dash] on us. We would like no better fun than to have a Cavalry Co, make a dash on us in the night time. They would stand a poor chance.

I wish Moor would come back, he would help me in my promotion. Things look like Catlin being sergt now. If he does then.

6 AM Wednesday. Aleck came last night at 8 PM, from Washington, he did not bring the Trunk that had out things, only the one that had Crowls things.

I got the Letter & Postage Currency all night, & shall have to get a little more [of you], to settle up with. After [this] I am going to cut down my Expenses a little. I think I could sell the other pair of Boots with out trouble, some of the boys, are bad off for Boots. I shall not want a Portfolio [Fr..] Cap, the Regulations will not allow me to wear one.

My cold is getting better & is nearly well, there is so confusion [sic] here about Aleck, that I can write no more.

I think we shall get the Trunk to day. I shall get a pass for Washington in a few Days & go & see Peter Crowl. He wants to see me & I am sure I do him. Fortifications again today. I will send plan of the Fort in my next

Love to all

Manley

Camp Pomeroy
Dec 25th -/62
9 AM

Dear Father

I read you letter of the 22d last night & was very glad to get one at that time. Last night I was on Brigade Guard, so had to stay up all night. I have just been Excused, & will now write a little. This was the first time that I have had to Guard Secesh Property, & hope it will be the last.

The 4th Delaware 115th NY, are ordered to Fort Monroe. The 27th Maine & the 111th NY are to remain here. The Colonel told us boys this morning , that most likely we should stay here. I know that we are to finish this Fort, & then I think by present appearances that we shall go into the Fort when Finished.

The boys have gone out on Fatigue Duty today.  they did not like the Idea of working on Christmas, but it could not be helped. The colonel was in very good Humor this morning, he told the Boys, he would like to give them a Holiday to day, but he could not give it to them.

We have not recd the Trunk that Aleck brought. he left it at Washington, as he could not carry both up with him. Mr [Bradlong] has not arrived here yet, we hope to see him to day, in time for Dinner or Supper. I shall let you know just as soon as the trunk arrives. The Trunk will come very convenient here to keep things in.

I hope Moore will write to the Capt before long, I know of no one over me in the Line of Corporals, that I am afraid of, all that troubles me is Greens working for Catlin for Sergt. There will be trouble if this happens as Catlin is not at all popular with the Co. He has borrowed a great deal of Money in the Company, & never will pay his Debts, he has also been caught in the act of getting our Rations of Coffee & Sugar, & selling them.

Dreyer is playing himself out in this Company, he has been blowing a great deal, about the Commissioned Officers, drawing our Rations, & using them. He is not near as popular in the Co, as he was.

The First Corp. Hutchins has been playing for a Discharge since leaving A. 2nd Dawes, has been Sick almost all the Time. 8th [L….], has been Sick a great deal, 4th Pulver never has done anything, & then comes [MTS].

I wrote a letter to Philip Clouses Father to day, I can not tell whether Phil, has got any Money or not at any rate he will not need any until he is getting better. Peter Crowl is at No 421, 11th St, I am in hopes, I shall get a pass to go & see him. I do not think he ever will go with the Regt again,, he will most likely stay at the Hospital. Clouse has been taken to the Small Pox Hospital at Washington, so I shall not be able to see him.

I need not tell you how glad I would be to come home to the [Donations] But there is no such good news for me.

The Rabit [sic] Skins are not Dressed, but I think they could be used.

You asked me how Chaplain Brown is, I can not tell, as I see him so seldom, we have Religious Services about once in two months. He is a lovely Chaplain.

Our Camp as about 3 miles South west of Alexandria, It is in Sight of the city. The route from the Dock, is up King St, then turn to your left, by the AMRR, Engine House & from there the Road is Straight. If you will drop a line, I will meet you at the dock. Our Army Waggons are running to & from every day. It is but a Short walk for me now.

I have got a pair of Leggings for Charlie, as I have two pairs. I think he will like them.

We had Dress Parade, this PM, the best we have ever had. Segoine presented McDougal & the Regt with a Splendid Flag from Gov Morgan from NY. It was one of the Four that was presented, to the First Four Regts under the Last call. As we were one of the four, we got a Splendid Blue Flag, The boys are all proud of it. You had ought to have heard the Col, praise his noble Boys of the 111th.

7 PM. There is no [Pass] to have the Lights Extinguished until 10 PM, the boys are having great times. They are going to have a Dance, on the Parade Ground. It is warm enough to go with out a coat. The Boys all feeling well. Some of the Boys dressed up like an elephant & called on the Colonel.

Our Pickets were attacked last night, some 10 or 12 men were killed. If our men had not repulsed them, in five minutes more, we would have been ordered out. I think we shall get rid of Picket Duty, for a while. All the Talk here now is, about our being turned into Heavy Artillery. Dont we hope it will be so.

I wish Charlie was here to night he would enjoy himself tip top. While I am writing this, I can hear 5 or 6 Violins playing, all are feeling well.

Our Trunks are not come yet, but hope they will soon

Manley

Camp Pomeroy
Co D 111th Regt
Dec 26th 1862

Dear Father

I received your note of the 23d, to night, & will reply immediately. We have got neither of the Trunks, yet & are wondering what in the world is the matter. We are afraid Budlong will dissappointed us. We had got our mouths all Fixed for the Dinner.

In regards to our dividing the Things, they are common property. We have no trouble, all goes off well.  Aleck is in with us, so now we have five in the Tent. It is just the same, as Common property.

I did not know, that I wrote gloomy letters, I am sure, I feel well enough. You would think so if you could see us here. Just as soon as I get my papers I have hundreds of chances, to lend them. After I read them, that is the last I see of them. I seldom get any Daily Papers here they cost 5 cts, & I cant afford that.

You ask me the price of things here. Molasses 20cts a qt Sugar 20cts, a Lb, Oysters 20cts a Pint, Pres 12cts a piece & very poor at that. Candles 4 cts a piece. In short every thing is awful dear. For instance Cheese 25cts a lb. Our Sutler is making his fortune. If he does not come down, a little The boys will tear down his Tent. You can buy almost every thing you want at Alexandria, but you cant get there every day. There is a great deal of Business done there, of course a great deal of it is Government.

You need not think there will be any trouble about dividing the things in the Trunk. We shall get along with that. The boys divide every thing. Al is reading now what he is going to have from home. Al got a letter from home brought by Mr Budlong, he sent it from Washington.

the 4th Del 115 NY, left this AM for Fortress Monroe.

We got from them a splendid little Stove, boxes & Cupboards & have got our Tent fixed up Splendid. I would give a Great deal, if Mother & You could look in now. H Warren laying behind me in the Bunk, writing a letter, Barney reading a Paper. Albert H thinking of the Trunk, Aleck laying in the Bunk, sick with a head ache. It looks just like a Family Circle. everything goes off smooth. We have got the most convient [sic] House in the Row. We are Bragging a good deal over the Two Trunks. I shall get a pass for Washington, then I can bring up the Trunk. The way we arrange it here, one gets up one morning & lights up the Fire, washes the Dishes, sweeps the room & the next day, some one else.

Appearances are very favorable for our staying here, we are doing no Drilling, nothing but Fatique Duty. The Fight with Pickets, I spoke about in my last was this. We have two lines of Cavalry Pickets, about a mile apart, The outer ones were driven in & the inner ones fired into them. We have no Picket Duty to do now

Love to all

Manley

Camp Pomeroy
Dec 28th 1862

Dear Father

As usual we had Inspection this AM. We had a very Rigid Inspection of Arms, & then of Knapsacks & then of Quarters. We have lovely times keeping our Guns bright & clean, with out anything to clean them with. Those that had not got their Guns perfectly Clean, were sent to the Guard House. Two from our Co were sent up. We have now a Daily Inspection. There are rushing things. I do not know how they can expect men to keep everything, when they have to on on Duty every day, from [7],30 to 5 PM.

We have seen nothing of either of Trunks yet, & are getting almost tired of waiting. I shall get a pass tomorrow & Go to Washington, for the one Aleck, brought. I shall then see Peter Crowl & can look around a little, but can not much as I can only get a pass for a Day. I want to go the the Capitol, for one place certain.

There is no News, of any importance in Camp. All seem to think we are to remain here. We hear nothing more about being Paid off. I think we shall be Mustered First.

On Picket 12,30 PM, about 4 miles west of Camp Pomeroy. After I had written the above yesterday, we had pretty shining times in Camp. About 4 PM, yesterday, we were ordered to have 40 Rounds of Cartridges in our Boxes & 40 in our pockets. Then we were ordered into line, in tight marching order, About 5,30 we started out to Reinforce the Pickets. Before we left, the chaplain Prayed with us & said that most likely we should be engaged in Battle. The Lieut Col, Said Boys, We shall most likely be engaged in Battle. I want you all to fight until Death. This is what I expect of you.

We then started with the orders, Not a man to speak out loud. We had a silent march, through the mud. Double Quick almost all the way. Before we left the color Sergt, came to our Co, for a Color guard, I immediately Volunteered. the Color Guard’s duty it to protect the Color Bearer & take the Colors if he is wounded, & not to fire but to protect them.

We got out here about 7,30, & then formed in line, across a Road, where the rebels would most likely come. Then we had orders to keep in Ranks Arms in hand, ready for anything.

We are on the Road towards [Dum….]. The Rebels had driven in our Cavalry Pickets, & the Reports were that they were coming in to Washington. You may be sure, there was no little Excitement among the Boys. every little while during the night, Cavalry men would come, half scared to death, some without hats. Some would report that 8000 Rebels were on the way & other[s] that all of the Cavalry men had been taken. The last report we got this AM, was that they had not been within 8 miles of here. At any rate, we all expected an attack, a man came in this AM & said we should be lucky if we were not attacked to day.

I have heard some Musketry firing this AM, But I do not believe we shall see anything of the Rebs now. It was reported here this AM, that the Citizens of Alexandria were packing up & leaving, in anticipation of an Attack. Some of the boys were pretty well frightened, last night. We had two alarms during the night, but they did not amount to anything.

Just as I am writing this, 9 of the 12th Illinois Cavalry have just passed here & say they were attacked yesterday & that they are all that are left, they state that, there is about 8000 Cavalry & Artillery, & that they have fell back today. We can hear heavy Canonading west of this, & think they have attacked some of our Forces west of this. I think we shall have to stay out here on Picket, till Friday.

We have heard nothing From the Trunks yet, I did intend going to Washington, but got [slipped] up on that. You need not be alarmed about us, I think we shall get along all right now. I will write as often as possible until this is over

Love to all
Will write soon

Manley

On Picket about 2 miles west of Camp Dec 30th

12 PM

Dear Father

All quiet on Picket so far. Last night everything went off smoothly, no alarm of any kind. We have got a very nice post, & Barney, Aleck, Billy Waters & myself are together. Last night our Pickets were Attacked about 4 miles north of us, towards the Patomac. They were attacked by Cavalry but repulsed them. Reinforcments, were ordered up from Alexandria, of Cavalry & Infantry.

Today, we can hear very plainly, heavy Canonading to the south west of us. I think there is a large Force of Cavalry & Artillery Lurking around here, whether they will attempt to enter Washington or not we can not tell. probably not. It would be difficult to get to Washington from this Side of the River anyways. This is the time for the Rebels, to make

(editors note:  the middle part of this letter is missing.)

He had no right to put me on guard You had ought to have seen him cool down. If he does anything about it I will have him court Marshialed, for giving the Countersigne, so that it could be heard 2 rods off. I have him there.

I am afraid that last letter in the Republican will get me Court Martialed. The QM, is trying to find out who wrote it & says he will put him through If he finds who wrote it, there will be trouble for me. All in our Co, know who wrote it, & I am afraid some of them will let it out.

We are going in tomorrow, & are to be mustered again. Capt sent yesterday to [ ] for the Trunk, so I think it will be at Camp when we return. How many times last night I wished my self home It was a nasty disagreeable night, Fogy [sic] & misty, I hope it was not so with you. Lovely old night for Picket.

I will write again soon

Manley