Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
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You are probably expecting that we start for home this morning. I wish it were so, but we do not go so probably before Monday. The boys grumble terribly about it. They cannot see the use of our staying as the transports are already at the fort.
I write you on a sheet giving a picture of the old Fort. It is quite exact and you
can get some idea of the fort from it. I have a larger one which gives you a fine
view of the place. You can easily trace the fortress by its walls and the moat around
it. The Hygeia hotel is the building with a piazza in front, and is where we were
encamped for a couple of weeks. The road and bridge to the left lead to Hampton. The
view is taken looking towards the east and the line of water in
right hand
corner is the mouth of the bay. When I get home with the large picture I can show you
all the points of interest.
The boys feel terribly because they are not going home this morning and they will
undoubtedly write home some sorrowful letters. We are kept here I
suppose because the other regiments are in such a condition that they are not safe.
The First New York Regt. were nearly all drunk Tuesday and Wednesday - and Tuesday
night one of their captains shot a private for disorderly conduct. A larger number of
the men got into rows and got their head broke, and on the whole the Regt. was not
worth as much for service as one sober company would be. Not one of the regiments
here has a colonel except ours, and some of them have not even a Lieut. Col. Some
have resigned and others are off on a furlough. Col. Phelps will not be permitted to
go
home with us. They will keep him here till the very last moment
& will not discharge him till Aug. 9th.
I had a letter from Laura, a short one. She said she was afraid I should not get the letter. I dont expect another letter from you while I am here, tho' I should like to hear while in Brattleboro.
I will try and write a few lines every day so that you can know what is happening.
It is now nearly time for the boat to leave & I must close. Give my best respects to all who enquire & tell them that we shall be at home as soon as we can get there.
I have been very busy for a day or two & have had but little time to write. I can send a few lines each day.
Your affectionate husbandRoswell Farnham