Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Jim Walker
near Centerville

8,30 AM Jan 26th /63

Dear Father

I little expected to get a letter from you last night, but the Mail did not come. I think we shall get two months pay tomorrow or next day, Capt says we shall be paid Off, the first of this week certainly. You can see that we have changed the name of our Camp. It is named after a Palmyra Man, a member of the War Committee, of Wayne.

I had quite a talk with Capt, on Saturday last, about the Co, & every thing else. He says the reason he has not promoted me, was that I had been to free with the Men, did not keep aloof from them. He says I did not have enough control over them. Now I know better, there was not a Corporal in the Co, that the Men, would obey quicker than myself. He says he wants me, to keep, away from the men more, & that as soon as there was a Chance, he wanted to put me in Sergt. I can see from his actions, he would not consent to my going as Color Sergt. If I do not go as that, I shall not go as Color Guard.

it was intended last night to call us up on a False Alarm, why they did not do it, I can not tell. Yesterday the Provost Guard went out on the Battle Field again for a Body, There they saw, Artillery Tracks, & other Tracks looking like cavalry. as we have no Artillery there, this looked rather Suspicious. I think they did not call us out, as they thought we might be attacked.

My Post on Picket saturday, was the Bull Run Bridge. It is now partly torn up & could only be crossed by Infantry, & then, they would have to cross, part of the way, on the Sleepers. With our 7 men we could hold it, against 25 as we had a great Advantage of them. This Bridge was used by the Rebs, to bring their Troops to the Battle Fields.

During the night, Scouts, both of Cavalry & Infantry, were Skulking on the opposite Bank. Our Orders was to Shoot any man we might see, on the other side of the Creek. Enclosed I send you a piece of the Bridge. Capt says I have done wrong sending home letters, about the Officers. Be careful what you say, about the Capt, there are Spye’s [sic] there somewhere.

Today we have 4 hours Batallion Drill, how I dread it, 2 this AM, & 2 in the PM, this is a Thick Foggy morning one of your miserable Days. Yesterday was a Beautiful Day, the Birds were singing here like Spring, It was more Like Sunday, than I have seen in a long time. Yesterday PM we had Review, the Preaching, the Dress Parade. Capt says, McDougal wants to get us well Drilled, then push us right in front. He says, he should not be surprised if we were ordered to the Front before long.

I was very glad to get thse Papers, from home, the only trouble was, I could not keep them long enough to read. The boys all wanted to read them. I shall try to get on Provost Duty, in a day or two, so to go on the Battle field, as the most of the Field Lies outside of the Pickets. I shall hope to hear from you today

Love to all

Manley

——————–

Camp Jim Walker

Jan 26th /63
4,30 PM

Dear Father

I have just recd two letters from you also the Papers. I will answer them immediately. today we were to be reviewed by Genl Casey, but is has rained all day, so it is postponed until tomorrow. I little dreaded this as, we want to do well at such times, though for the present it would not be for our interest to do so, for the sooner, we are well Drilled, the sooner we are shoved in Front.

Some say we are to be paid Off, this week, tomorrow, or next day, though I am doubtful. I will give Mr Brown, the Papers you send when I read them.

27th 9,30 AM

It is a good Plan your getting your Life Insured. though I am afraid you will not get more than $20, from here if I am paid off. McDougal is not Col yet, there is some talk of a Man by the name of Richardson, from Syracuse, being the next Col. We hope it will not be so.

We fare about the same that we always have, not Drawing half of our Rations, that we are entitled to. I hear nothing more from the QM. I have no grease, for my boots, though we can get [mutton] Tallow. our Sutler keeps almost everything but he charges so much, that we can not afford to patronize him.

I hear nothing about Capt’s resigning, think there is no Truth in it. There is no Chance to send the Trunk to Washington. There is no Conveyance from here.

I was on Guard yesterday & last night, But am writing now, when I ought to be asleep. It is snowing very hard today, & is muddy & miserable Weather. it snowed & rained all night. Friday we are to have an Inspection by Brig Genl Hayes, it will be a rigid one. Tomorrow we have to go on Picket again, Last night our Co, went out on Reserves, returning this AM.

A Party of Strangers, visiting their Friends in this Regt, went out on the Battle Field, How I wished You were in the Party. Is is very seldom that you can get a chance to go outside of the Lines. First our Col, would have to write a Pass, for them, then D Utasse, Commdt of Post would have to sign it, then Brig Genl Hayes. so much for Red Tape.

Those Rebel Deserters, were Brought in here the other day. Some of our Officers think, we shall be ordered in Front, before long & others, that we shall remain here. If you ever intended coming to visit me, I should rather have you come here, than any other place. If you come here you could go out & see the Battle field, which I do not doubt you would like. You never would get such a chance again. Through your Friends in Washington you could get a Pass, from W, here.

Mother

Do you think it is any new Complaint of yours being Lazy, Now I am serious. If you want to send me anything, you can. All I want is Stockings. Army Socks, only last a week. that is all I want to wear. I am not going to carry so much around the Country, after this it is played out.

I have given up being Color sergt, I know Capt would not consent it. Dont ask me why I dont want Green for Capt. He is to proud to live now what would he be then. May the Lord spare me from ever seeing this Co, under Sodus Administration.

Do not think I have went to church, with you for the last time, I shall return next Spring But not to stay long, if you do not buy that farm, I am going West, to work on the RR. that is the First thing I am going to do.

Give my love to Rosa, I will write to her next time, Kiss Maggie for me, & tell her not to forget Manley

Will write soon

Manley

Chicago Jan 22 /63

My Dear Friend

I received your letter this evening forwarded from Clifton. I was very happy to hear from you, as it is the first time I have heard anythin of any of the N.Y. regt since they left Chicago. I guess you think I am wedded to Chicago. I intended to have been home several weeks ago, but Mr & Mrs. Stone, went East and I thought I would remain till they returned. I shall leave for home week after next. We missed you very much after you left Chicago, in fact I was very sorry to have the N.Y. Regt go away, as we enjoyed visiting the Hospital, or in doing any thing to relieve the sick, and we only regert that we did not do more. I have not been in Camp since you went away. The 66th Ill, 9th [NY] is a Battery are there still,

We are having miserable weather very muddy and plenty of rain, have had two or three days of sleighing, and then we went on Michigan Avenue to drive. I wish you could have seen the crowd, ther driving. I am learning to skate, with no one to assist me, and I get along very nicely but I always manage to fall. I suppose you hear from home often. I hope your people will not consent to your being color bearer, as it is such a dangerous position and you are exposed enough wherever you are, yet I admire your bravery. where is the 126 Regt. I never hear anything of it. I had a letter from Louise [ ] the other day she is at [Lima] attending school, and is enjoying it very much. I am very anxious to get home, though I expect it is awfully dull, as there have so many left Clifton since I came away, and it never is very brilliant there.

Do you know Charley [Yarlock] of the 111th I forgot what Co he belongs to. he is a brother of John Y- and is a very nice young man. he called here the day before your Regt left

Mrs Stone sends a great deal of love and says you are the only one of th N.Y. Regt that has ever manifested any politeness, as none of the 126 ever [w ] us.

Manley your letter was very interesting to me and I hope to hear from you after, for of course I am interested in “Co D.” Please direct to Clifton for I shall be there.

With kindest regards and best wishes for your welfare, I remain

Your Friend

Althea Yager

Camp Jim Walker
Jan 30th /63

Dear Father

I little expected a note from you, last night, but recd none.

We had a big time in our Camp last night. Brig Genl Hays, rode all through our Camp, in the middle of the night with out being halted. Now when the Guard has strict Orders to Halt every man, & make him give the Countersign, this is a Serious Offence. the Col, went around the Camp & took every other mans, Gun away from him, so the guard House is full of Delegates this AM. Now a man that is on Guard, should not let any man take his Gun, not even a Brig Genl. the Col asked them for their Guns, & they gave them up. the Col, is going to reduce one of our Corporals Luther Rogers. Lieut Grangers Sword is taken away from him, & the talk is that he is going to be Cashiered. dont we hope it is so. In short we had a regular Row.

Night before last we had a False Alarm. About 11, 15 PM we was awakened from a Sound sleep, by the long Roll. Then there was Confusion, no mistake. You can imagine 5 of us in a Tent 8 feet square, all looking for their Boots, Caps, Over Coats, Equipments & every two minutes have an Officer, come to the Tent, Fall out Boys. Co D fall in. We fell out then formed in Line, then Double Quicked it to the Rear of the Camp, formed a Line of Battle, then Marched back in Front of Quarters & Broke Ranks. It took the Regt a good while to get out as no one was prepared for it. the Left Wing was greatly behind. After this we shall be prepared for such things.

Yesterday our Co, went out on Picket, it was Snowing very hard & was very cold. for a wonder I was excused. The snow here is about 4 inches deep. We had Batallion Drill yesterday PM, Through the Snow Banks, Mud & Slush, it was lovely, especially at the Drill Charge Bayonets, when the Front Rank had to kneel down. We have got so that we can make a Good Change Bayonets, the Boys are good on the Yell.

I think we shall get paid off, to day or tomorrow, that is the talk now. To day, I think we shall have the Review by Genl Hayes. It is a beautiful day, though Cold.

I have got but little time to write, as I got my Gun very rusty the other night in the Storm, & I must clean it this AM. If we get paid off, there will be a great deal better feeling among the Boys.

I now send you the last Stamped Envelope, I have got. When I get my pay, I shall send for a $1,00 worth of Stamps, & put them on envelopes. enclosed I send you a Letter I got from A Yager, in Chicago.

I got my commission, the other day, it is on Sheep Skin, & is a nice thing. If I can I will send it home. Dreyer talks of coming home, if he does, I shall send the Trunk by him, My watch suits me to a Dot, runs tip top. If Dreyer gets his Discharge, I shall get Sergt sergt certainly. Col says Granger will be on his way home, Day after tomorrow, Glory, Glory.

Love to all

Manley

Will write tomorrow
Kiss Maggie for me
MTS

This is Camp Hayes, after this

Camp Hayes
Feb 1st /63
6,30 PM

Dear Mother

I received your last letter yesterday, while on guard, & will now answer it. I would have answered it before, to day, but have felt but little like writing.

Our Col, has gone to Albany to see the Governor, probably with Reference to his being Col. It is currently reported here, that we soon are to be relieved from Picket Duty here & are to move towards Washington. A great many still think we shall be turned into Heavy Artillery. the only trouble with this would be, we would have to stay the three Years, while if we were Infantry, we would most likely, be sooner discharged. For my Post I would rather stay the 3 Years, & be in Heavy Artillery. then most likely we should stay near W. the P[PM], has not made us a visit yet, & we are a little afraid he will not come, though all expect him. I certainly hope he will come.

Yesterday the Regt was Inspected by Genl Hayes, I got rid of it, by being on guard. I never saw the Regt, look better, all had white Gloves on. Our Col, tried to make the boys buy White Gloves, only 50cts a pair. Now when I pay 50cts a pair for white Gloves, which only can be worn once or twice, they will know it. I wish you would find out how much, I could buy, these Gloves for a Day, Aleck says you can get them for 15cts a Day, if so I shall have to send for some. I shall have to get two or three [Day] white Paper Garoote (ed’s note: garrote?) Collars, with a small Box to carry them in. They look so nice, on Inspection and then on Sundays they make a man feel Cleaner. Here you know we have no change of clothes. You need not be alarmed about my getting so very dirty, Our Squad is very fortunate in having a Wash Dish, we think more of that, than any thing else. A Tin Cup comes next.

I have thought a great many times, I would write you just how we live, but get no time, to go into all the particulars, I will try it some day. Do not think we do not have some Sunny Hours, far from it. amid all our Duties, & Trials, we always find a Bright Cloud.

Did I ever tell you, about our Bed’s, how we make them, if not I will. First we spread our Rubber Blankets down on the Ground, then our Bed Ticks, & then our Woolen Blankets, Knapsacks for Pillows, Remember no Straw in the Bed Ticks. Now I can lay down & sleep, just as Sound as I could in a Bed at Home, though I must confess, I wish I could sleep in a Good Bed one night. The first night I get home, I expect I shall take my Knapsack for a Pillow, & wrap my Blanket around me & sleep on the Floor. It would be no hardship to sleep on the Floor after this.

I do not know how I should feel to go home & wear Civilians clothes again.  If I do say so, I know I make a Good Looking Soldier. Our Drilling here, makes us walk erect, & so we have to throw our chests out & hold our heads up. And then this Good living in the Army, is making me Grow Fat, I think I will weigh 150 easy now.

Your Letter did me a great deal of Good, when I know you are not worrying about me & that you think I am right in being where I am. Now I can do my duties more cheerfully. I could have but little courage when you were, worrying about me. I am glad to hear you write so cheerful, be assured that your son will never disgrace him self, in Battle, as in time of Peace. My Mottoe is Duty first, Pleasure afterwards. Perhaps you think I am talking rather wild for a man of my age, but remember I am 21, next Aug. You need never look for me until I can come home, honorably, so that I can look men in the Face, with the Conciousness of having Done my Duty.

This has seemed like Sunday, though we have had no Services.  it has been raining most of the PM. If you should go through this Camp to night, you would hear Singing all through the companies, all seem happy & contented. We have some splendid Singers in Camp, & every night you can hear some a singing.

If there is any thing in the Report, about our Going to Washington, we shall most likely see, some we know, there.

Sergt Granger has got his Sword again, I do not know whether anything will be done with him or not, I hope there will.

Green laid him self liable, a week or two ago to be Court Martialed, he was on Picket, & left his Post & went to a House to get his Dinner, & there The Officer of the Day found him. Catlin the Sergt lately Promoted, came near being Reduced today, He took off, his Equipments, Contrary to Orders, & left his Post, If the Col, had been here, he would have been Reduced.

I had the Praise last night, of having the best trained of the Three Reliefs on Guard, & of attending to my Business better than the other Corps, by the Officer of the Guard.

Quite a Laughable incident occured while I was giving the Relief the Countersign. the Countersign was Saragossa, I gave it to one of the Men, & he did not understand it & asked me if it was Sarah Cross Eyes, he thought he was right.

Williams had Bunked with us ever since he returned, he never has mentioned the Letter, we get along all right, though I am careful of him. Taps, so I must make up my Bed & blow out the Light.

Feb 2nd 6,30 AM.

All quiet during the night. Tomorrow we go on Picket, for 24 hours. We like Picket Duty well enough, but do not like the walk out and back. It is the worst Road I ever saw. I have been there when the Mud, was from 8 to 10 inches deep, no mistake. Our Winter is about over here, the Farmers will soon commence to Plow. when it is warm weather, Soldiers life will be Easier.

Shall hope to hear from you Soon, Love to all

Manley

Miss Rosa

Much obliged to you for the $10 sent me to get my Discharge, Though I do not think it best to come home Just yet. You do not want me to come home until I have Shot 20 or 30 Rebs do you. Dont you want me to Shoot two or three for you. I have not seen a little Girl (White I mean) since I left Alexandria, You can see little Colored Contrabands, laying all around. Dont you want a little one to wait on you, if so I will send one in a box. You could sit still, & say Venus, bring me my Shoes & put them on, & Venus do this & that for me.

Tell Maggie, that I think of her often & would like to take her for a Ride. by the time I get home, it will be good Waggoning, then we can take a long Ride. Kiss her for me & tell her to be a good Girl, & not to forget her Brother Manley.

Charles Henry Augustus

Sir

Do you wish me to think that you have given up, Miss Sarah, if so, who is the Lucky woman, answer my Question, or report Yourself to the Officer of the Guard & tell him I sent You.

Charlie do you want to know how we draw our meat from the QM, we get it out side ot the Commisary, then go ahead of it & Whistle, it follows us, right to our Co. our Hard Tack is getting Softer now, we bite right through, Crackers, worms & all. Two thirds of the Hard Tack is wormy. When we take our clothes to wash, all we have to do it tell them File Right & Left, & the Animals understand their Business.

the Government Horses are so Poor, that when the wind Blows, they have to Detail 4 men from a Co, to walk each side of them to hold them up, if they did not the wind would blow them to pieces.

This is an awful Country to Grow niggers. the boys use them for Targets. There are more Blacks here than Law allows.

Write soon

Manley

Camp Hayes
Feb 3d /63

Dear Father

I received yours of the 29th last night, & was glad, to get a Good long letter from home.

Yesterday we had the Report in Camp that one of the 151st Pa Infantry Pickets had been Shot & the rest of the Post taken Prisoners. This however, was not True, it was the Cavalry, one Post was taken, & one Man that refused to surrender, was shot through the Heart. It was reported that the Rebs were throwing out Pickets, near ours, & that there was a Force of them near us. Of course this caused some Excitement, & the usual amount of trembling among the Officers. Last night 800, of the 5th NYSV 1st Virginia Cavalry, went out to Scout the Country, we have not (heard) from them yet.

We had an extra Caution last night, to be ready, to fall out at any time. I do not know what we should have done, the Major is Sick, the Colonel, gone away, so the command would have fallen on Capt Seeley, Co A. Yesterday I was regularly Detailed by the Capt, for Co, Post Master. This is not a very Desirable berth, but there is no labor.

Things are moving along in Camp about the same as ever, nothing new. It is very cold here this AM, it is snowing quite fast, they do not send out whole Cos for Pickets, it is now, 5 men from each of the 10 Cos a day, which is I think a better plan. I expect to go on Provost Guard, tomorrow, I am very anxious to go out on the Battle Field, so to get some Trophies, & see the Country.

Yesterday Green Drilled us in Skirmishing, through Snow Banks, 2 feet deep, mud & all. He could not do it, in pleasant weather. I am getting so, I dread the Co, Drills, the same thing, over & over again. I have learned it once, & do not need to practice it all the Time. there are a great many Drills, to learn yet. I some times, wish we were in the Reg Army, then we could be perfected in Drill. we have some men that never have, nor never will make Soldiers, it is not in them. In the first place, they can not keep Step, the First Principal, & the next, keep their Heads down, & eyes at their Feet, It makes me so Mad, I want to make them Drill with a Ball & Chain.

There has been some Change, in our Brigade, Officers, lately, I think we shall have D Utassi (D’Utassi) for Brig Genl yet, though we hope not. there is not a man in the Regt but what Dislikes him. He always has 5 or 6 Orderlys, riding after him where ever he goes.  Too much Style, from Commandant of Post.

No news from the PM, yet, afraid we are Sold. I took some Paper to Brown yesterday, he is in Washington now. We are getting along a little easier now the Col, is gone, I do not know whether Dreyer, will come home or not, He has expected to get Ward Master in the Hospital, but he is played out on that. they have got to do something with him, he never can do duty again. I heard why Crowl was discharged, His Capt said he would not have the Whining [Priss], in the Co, He has been continually, growling about every thing that did not go right. I have never seen a man so Home Sick in my life.

Love to all

Manley

Camp Hayes
Centerville Va
Feb 5th 1863

Dear Mother

I received your letter of Saturday yesterday & will reply immediately.

yesterday I was on Provost Guard, & was acting as Col D Utassi’s Orderly. My Business was to take Orders, to & from the Different Regts, around here. The Advantage was, I got Excused at 8 PM, & went to my Tent & staid all night. I am afraid that was not good, as it was a very Cold night.

It was rumored here yesterday, that we had Marching Orders for Washington. This is a great deal farther in Front, than we are now, & is about 20 miles from here. This is right in the Rebel Country. I hope this is not so, though I shall not be surprised if we have to move from here, very soon. Every one seems to think we shall move. the 126th Regt, arrived here day before yesterday they are to assist us in Picket Duty here. Today I have heard that the 126th, 151st PA, & the 125th NY, are to Relieve us while we go Farther on. there is now at this Post the 39th NY, 111th, & the 125th, We have now got to go, a Regt at a time, once in three days, on Picket Duty. This will come rather rough, on us.

It is snowing again to day, so we have no Drilling. you may be sure, we do not object to a Holiday.

It is now Thursday again, how swift the weeks pass away. Mark Thornton, of Lyons is Just appointed Ambulance Driver.  it is a pretty good Position, for him. Lieut [Lasse], of Co B, was Officer of Provost Guard, he has been promoted from Sergt. he is well acquainted with Father, & asked about him. He is a pretty Good Fellow, though not much of an Officer. If Dreyer, leaves the Co, I shall get sergt.

I recieved your letter with the 5cts in, & am very much obliged to you for it. They say now here, that we are to be paid off, the 10th, us next Tuesday. I do not know how True it is.

You ask me if I do not want you to Die before You are, 100 years old. That is a pretty Question to ask, now here is one just like it. Dont you wish I might get Shot, some night on Picket, to have a Rebel Shot pick me off. Now I want no more of such questions to answer.

I want to know whether [Pas] has got to Preach, all the Funeral in Lyons. I shall not Bunk with, Williams, Francisco no[r] Hunt, as soon as we move again. I do not care about having all I say & more too, reported. I do not know how in the World we can get the Trunk, to Washington. The RR, from Union Mills to Alexandria is, used for nothing but the Government, so we can not send it this way. If we can not send it by some one going to W, we can not send it.

Feb 6th 8 PM. It is raining hard here to day, & we have got to go on Picket. This is our Benefit. Last night we expected an attack. The report came here yesterday PM, that our Pickets were driven in & that the 126th was Drawn up in Line of Battle at Union Mills. This I do not think is so, I think a great many Expected an attack. It was a miserable night, raining hard.

Barney got a Box from home last night. I forgot to have a Havelock made, I should like one. If you & Warrens folks, choose you can send us a Box, just for the two. You can see them if you could get a chance to send it to W, it could be sent by Express from there, with out costing much. Have you ever tried Hardens Express, soldiers Boxes half Price. Harve[y] Warren & I Bunk together, & we would have no trouble.

I was talking the other day with a Lieut, he says, that lieut Col McDougal has been offered, the Lieut Coloncy, in the 9th Artillery, if he will have us transfered.  He will not do it, if he can get to be Col, of this Regt. We shall know in a few days.

I must close, time to go on Picket

Love to all

Manley

Camp Hayes
Feb 8th 1863
7,30

Dear Father

I recieved your note of the 2nd last night, & will try & answer it now.

As usual we are to have Inspection, this AM. Yesterday we came off, Picket, from Post No 15th. There was two men living there, that looked very suspicious to me, so & determined to keep a close watch of them. Our Post, was in a log [Shantie].  overhead, we found, Government, Property of all kinds, Tents, Clothing, & Guns. As a man is no right with this Propery, we determined to report it. If they had made any distribution I should have reported it to D Utassi, as they did not, I let it pass. They were genuine Secesh, no mistake, one of them left home about 3 PM, & was gone till nearly Day Light the next morning. I have no Doubt that he is a Spy. He knew the No of every Picket Post, just how many there were & where they were.

It is reported here for a Settled thing that we are to be paid off, on Tuesday, next, but for only 2 months. There is strong talk, of our Extending our Picket Lines, farther out, & of our being sent to Washington, if so we shall have some Fighting to do. there is Rebels in abundance near there. I think there is a move ahead. we can tell more what we shall have to do, when our Col comes back, or when we find out, whether he will be Col, or not. It will make some difference to him, whether he can be Col, or not.

Granger’s Sword was taken away from him, because he was on Provost Guard, & did not nave the countersign, when it was his place to have it, & another thing he had his Side Arms off, which is against orders. He has got his Sword again & I guess he will get along now with out any thing being done. Do you think, I do not know my Duty that I should have been in that Scrape, if I had been on guard that night?

I must have lost some of the Letters, you sent, as I have recd, Stamped Envelopes, but once that was when the Trunk came. These las[t] I recd all right.

We have had awful weather for the past week, it has rained most of the time. it is our Good Luck, to have to go on Picket when even it storms. we have to go a half miles out of our way, & go through Just such a [Formula] every time, no matter how much it storms. we have had some Bitter cold weather this last week, as cold as we have in NY.

Dan Hutchings is just where he started 1st Corp he never will be promoted. No one likes him in the Co, he is always complaining. all non commissioned Officers, get a Commission, to show their Authority, for what they do, I shall try & send it home. I get more Mail, than any one else in the Co,

We have got two or three cases of Small Pox in the Regt now.

Cant write any more
No time
Love to all

Manley

Camp Hayes
Feb 10th 1863
6,45 AM

Dear Father

I have not read a letter [ ] from you in a long time. But I will write a Short note this AM. I will give you a few reasons why I do not feel like writing, first we Drilled hard yesterday & then we was called up on a False alarm at [5] this morning, & I have got to go on guard at 8 AM. Perhaps you think that is not enough, but if you had the dirty Guns to clean that I have, you would think so.

Yesterday we had Batallion Drill, we Drilled in Firing, blank Cartridges of course. We had a good Drill. The Col returned Last night the Officers had a regular Spree, Drinking & Singing, because the Col, had got his Commission. when Co D was ordered out this morning, there was no one but the [Order] Sergt, to Command the Co. Col ordered Capt Holmes to report to him, he ought to be Cashiered for it.

The Paymaster is here & will pay us, for a month & 25 days amounting in all to about $24. A big Thing this Working for 6 months for 25. We are doing Picket Duty, under a different Plan now, the 111th Furnishes Pickets two days, the 125th two days & the 89th one day. This will do very well.

Mrs Brown & her Daughter are here, I have not spoken to them yet. We had service on Sunday afternoon. It was the most uninteresting Sermon that he has ever preached. I will write again tomorrow

Nomoretime [sic]
Lovetoall [sic]

ManleyTStacey [sic]

Camp Hayes
Feb 11th /63

Dear Mother

At last the Pay Master has visited us. We got pay yesterday up to the 1st of Nov. My Pay was $23,83. I shall send home $15,00. I had several small Debts to pay, so I can not send any more. the boys felt good to get even this.

There must be some mistake about the Allottment Roll, for I got all money, while some of the boys, got checks. One thing is certain I never should sign another, I recd the Letter, with the 50cts check in, You tell me to get a good meal, with it, that is impossible. You can not get such a thing in this place. I have tried all around the Country, & can not get such a thing. All they have to live on, is Hoe Cake & Bacon, not a Bit of Wheat Bread (Except what we draw from the Gov) since we left Chicago. It is a mystery to me how a great many of the Inhabitants live, they can raise [nothing].

You can not see a Fence anywhere through this Country, they are all torn down, & destroyed

I was very sorry to hear that Father was sick, hope it is nothing serious. Last night we had to come out in Dress Parade, with White Gloves, & pay Sutlers Prices, for them, 50cts. I saw & had a Talk yesterday with Mr and Mrs Brown, they were quite pleasant, & invited me to call on them.

I did not go on Guard yesterday, as I expected too, but have got to go on Picket at 9 AM.

If Charlie does not use the Revolver, you may, send it to me, if you send any things, also some Cartridges, to fit it. Also some Emery Paper, to clean Gun.

Enclosed I send Mrs Millards Card, if Father comes to Washington, he must call there. Mr Millard is getting $600 a year, as Messenger, & is doing very well. I do not see why you do not hear oftener from me, I write almost every other day, some must get lost. Capt Holmes & Dryer is going to Washington to day, & I think most likely he will come home. I shall send my Money by him to W, & if he comes he will bring it, & if not he will send it from there. we have had some miserable weather here for the past few days, but not near as bad, as you think. Remember, we are in the South.

We have had some Cold weather, but not near as Cold, as you have. We have not suffered here, but have managed to keep along. I have had but little time to write for the past few days, had everything to do & all in Confusion. I think we shall remain where we are for a spell, no more talk, about moving, from here. I should have liked to send home more money, but have got but a little over $1,00 left when I pay my Debts. the PM says, we will get the rest of our Pay, in March we hope too, you may be sure.

We have got a new Ajutant, he is a Regular Irish man. I will write to Rosa & Charlie next time. Is is now 7,30 AM, I have got to get my Breakfast, roll up my Blanket, clean my gun, & get my Rations, by 9 AM. Now you see I must close. enclosed I send a Three cent Piece to Maggie, a Pocket book, to Charlie, the 23cts, for him & the 5 for Rosa

Love to all

manley

Camp Hayes
Feb 13th 1863

Dear Father

I had hoped to have heard last night, that you were better, but got no mail. I have sent you $15,00 by Capt Holmes, which he is to forward by mail from Washington if he goes no Farther. I think he will come home, a good many of the Boys, think he will Resign, & not stay with the Company, any more. That is [common] talk in the Co. Dreyer has gone with him, to hunt up Deserters, they say, though I hope they will not find any of them.

I sent by Dreyer My Commission, also a Ball from the Battle Ground. We were all in such a hurry, getting ready for Picket, or I should have sent more things. I received quite a Compliment, the other day on Picket, though it was not intended for my Ear’s. 1st sergt of Co [C], told Sergt Warren, that he was not afraid but what I would do my Duty, & that I was in his Co, he would Promote me to Sergt, immediately. Our Col, was Officer of the Out Posts, that day, & he did not find me, as he did some of the Corps, on other Posts, asleep. I knew my duty. I always make it a Point, to do my Duty, everywhere. And when I am on guard to have the Best instructed Relief.

There is no news in Camp.  Our Ajutant is as green as grass, I could do better myself, he is an Irishman, & has the Brogue to a Dot. there is one thing that goes hard with us, Come off, Picket at 11 AM, no sleep the night before, & Drill two hours the same afternoon. I do not believe this is according to Regulations.

We have been so busy for the past few days, that we have been all in Confusion. We are always glad to have Saturdays come, then we have a Holiday. Sunday we have Regimental inspection, this we dread as the Col, is very strict, there is generally a great many Candidates for the Guard House.

My last Picket post was on the Braddock Road. I would rather be on Picket than in Camp, any time, unless it is very [stormy]. If you send me anything, send it with Warrens Folks, dont send it with Francisco’s, or Hunt, or Williams. Never send again with them again.

I have just heard some news. Lieut Green says we have Marching Orders for Beaufort SC. There to do Provost duty. Well we shall be glad tomorrow again , anything for a change.

I have been expecting to move for two weeks past. Mr Warren talks of coming, if he does you can send some things by him, as Harvey bunks with me. Now for another move, I will write to Charlie tomorrow.

love to all

Manley

Got the [Pencil] all right

Glad to get it

It is reported that we are to get our Pay up to the 1st of June, very soon

——————–

Camp Hayes
Feb 13th 1863
6 PM

Dear Mother

I recieved a letter from home this PM, with a pair of White Gloves in it, they came in just the right time, as we have got orders to have two prs of Gloves.

It was reported here this AM, that Capt Holmes & about 20 others that left here with him are under arrest, it seems they did not have the right Papers. I can not tell, how true it is. I think if he ever gets home, we never shall see him again. It is comon [sic] talk among the Boys, they even ask & wonder who will be the next Lieut. It is reported here on Good Authority, Lieut Green that Col McDougal & Lieut Col, Smith, have resigned because they can not have the Major they want. Capt [Lusk] of E, Newark Co, is going to be major. It is reported that the Col, wanted Capt Holmes, & wanted the privelige, of Appointing the Major. This may be a story, but Lieut green says it is so, I hope it is not so.

We are ordered too [sic] night to sleep with our Boots & clothes on, all ready for the Rebels. It is reported that they are Fighting at Union Mills, & have sent for our Regt, which I do not know, we may be ordered over there. I hear nothing farther about our going to Beaufort. Am afraid it will not prove true, the only trouble about our going there, would be about the mail. The Gurillas are taking off, the Infantry Pickets now, night before last they took 4 & last night 7, right in the Same Division that I was on, the last time I was out. There is one good thing about it, they do not Fire on them, they take them by Surprise. So quietly do they do it, that they know nothing about it, on the next Post.

Some of these days your Son, perhaps, will get a Chance to see [L…] Prison in Richmond. I have got 8 or 10, envelopes, Directed & Stamped, they are just what I like, I got some Stamps the other a day, also 6 today. They can not be got here for Love or Money, the boys pay 5cts a piece for them.

I do not know what to make out about the Paper’s, I can not have got half of them, I think more or the Roch Dem, than any other, more even than the NY Tribune.

I am very glad to hear Father is Better, I was afraid he was going to be sick. I do not want any more Paper, for two months yet. The next you send, please send note Paper, it is so much, Easier to carry, & a great deal easier to write on.

The boys right opposite to us are Singing We are Going Home, to Die no More. Going Home is a favorite song here. I do not want you to worry about, or suffering with the Cold, to be sure we have some miserable Weather, but again we have some warm Spring Days. I do not notice the weather here half as much as I did at Home. I generally look on the Bright side of the Picture, & make the best of everything. You must want tell I help clean out the Rebels before, I can consent, to your Lecturing. One thing at a time. tomorrow is Holiday for us, we think a great deal of that.

14th 8 AM. Well mother, the night has passes away, & no fight. the 39th were ordered over too union Mills about 8 PM, & have not returned yet, how they succeeded we do not know yet & Some of the boys heard firing there all night. Of course the 39th will have all the Honor, even if there is nothing done. tomorrow I expect to go on Guard. I shall not if I can, as would rather go on Picket monday. Picket Duty here, is better than stayingin Camp.

Hope to hear that the money has arr, home safe. love to Maggie, & tell her Manley thinks of her often

love to all

Manley