Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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Five days have passed since I last write you and since that time I have recd two
from you but the last was written first, the first being but two days on the
road. When I last wrote you we were in quite a mess here but our Gen. it appears
knew what he was about and is now in command of post and his Brigade are to do
garrison duty here so we no doubt will remain here for a while. As I am situated
now my duties are light and my quarters
are very comfortable. The
regiment we crowded out left us a great supply of chairs, bed stands, Tables
&c and we are enjoying the benefit of them. Our mess is composed of field
and staff officers and we live like kings but it costs $5.00 per week each to
get along and I presume my savings will be less than heretofore I still keep
Sartwell for my servant he has just gone out for Blackberries and will find them
in abundance as they are very plenty. Day before yesterday I was Brig Officer of
the day and was very busy all day it being the first day Gen Wistar took command
my duties were quite laborious
I am in good health now and am
gaining in flesh we have a splendid place to bathe and we all enjoy it much; the
salt water is very invigorating. I sent a little book to Fred the other day, one
I picked up here. how does he and Carrie get along. I got a letter from Cousin
Matt last eve Think she is good, she wishes she was as good as Maria. would you
like to have me send you N.York papers often? or do you get all the news sooner.
We hope to hear of Lees destruction to day. Love to all
Your Affectionate V.G. Barney
PS.
I send a percussion tube such as they use to fire all heavy guns
with They are placed in the fuse hole and a cord attached to the wire by
pulling the cord they go off so you must not pull very hard on the
wire.
V.G.B.