Camp Douglas Chicago Ill Mch 20, 63Dear Maria,

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I will now try and write you a few lines on this disagreeable morning. This is a very boistrous and snowy morn, full as much so as any morning we have had this winter and to day is the first day of Spring I pity the men who are on guard as it must be rather tedious business for them, but as our men are well clothed they stand it well. we dont hear any thing about being sent away from here yet but Gen Stannard expects to be ordered away soon and he will do his best to get our regiment in to his brigade. I wrote you once before that in case the majors place was vacant that Capt Ripley would get the place and there is not much doubt but that it will be so he being an intimate friend to our Maj and his brother being an intimate friend of Gen Stannards. besides this he has the fortune to be wealthy and can command a larger amount of influence on this account. he has been very diligently at work for the position for a number of

months and will probably reap the benefits of his labours. When I first learned that his name had been mentioned by Gen Stannard to the Gov. I felt pretty bad and thought I was looked upon by him as an incompetent officer being the senior I immediately went and had a conversation with him and found what was up, he says he has recommended no person but that he states that Capt R- and myself were both good officers. but the fact of his mentioning Capt R- was enough to convince me who he prefered at that time I did not know but every officer in the regiment was in favor of his having the place but when it was known through the line how the thing stood many of the Officers came to me and expressed their surprise that at the proceedings and also their desire that I be appointed instead of him and it was acertained that out of 27 officers 24 were much in favor of my promotion and opposed to his at first it was thought best to send a memorial on to the Gov. signed by the line officers requesting my promotion but was not done so we did not know but Cap R’s commission was already on the way to him and it would only be kicking

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up a mess for nothing, but a letter has been written to the Gov stating the facts as they are and enquiring if a memorial would be of any avail. I dont know as I care for the promotion but the most I thought of was the idea of being jumped and the impression people would have of me but there has hardly been a promotion in our regiment but what some, one was jumped and some who have been jumped are considered much superior to those who were jumped over them by the officers generally As I said before when I first knew the facts I felt bad but on being assured that so, many and I might say so unanimously the line of officers were in my favor I felt some what different and that my presence in the 9th Vt was not so much of a disgrace to the regt and I feel better in my present situation with the respect and confidence of my brother officers than I would to be possessed of wealth and a higher position without that respect I dont want this the contents of this letter to be made public at present as it would perhaps make some hard feelings but you may let Father read it that he may not feel that I am without friends here

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I received a letter from you yesterday written last Sunday or Monday I hope Carries cold will not result in any thing severe I am sorry mother is so poorly and I hope she will soon recover I will enclose one of T. Thumbs photographs and you can give her which you please the one I sent before or this I have not got any more of mine yet but will send you some in a few days of a different style such as are taken here in Camp but I dont like them quite as well as the last I sent you I am getting my Album pretty well filled and before we leave here I shall send it to you so that you can see what [] looking officers we have in our reg. I keep yours and mothers in my pocket and not a day passes but they are looked at I would not part with them for nothing I wish you could have carries & Freds taken and send them to me. some of the officers have their childrens pictures and have got them painted Kiss them both and remember me as your best earthly friend and

Affectionate Husband V.G. Barney