Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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It is now 5 or 6 days since I last wrote you and the time I presume will seem
long to you but I wanted to Know something about what we were a going to do and
when we were going home before I wrote again so I could give you some
information. As far as I can learn we are to leave this Camp in 3 or 4 days and
go over to Hampton or Fox Hill abt 4 miles from Hampton and Encamp there for a
few days and then start for home which will be about the 1st or 2nd of August We
will probably go by the way of Newhaven and from there to Brattleboro where we
will be mustered out which will take abt 5 days. it is not Certain whether I
will go to D- or not but will if possible. There is no certainty of this
arrangement but probably this is not far from what will be done
Capt. Clark left for Home last night he had a letter from home Saying his wife
was in a very Critical Condition and he started immediately and Jewett is now in
command of the Co. I understand that she (Esther) is same as she was last year
but in addition to that she is in a bad way. I would not wonder if she did not
live long. I recd your letter Saturday night and it seems you were in rather
poor spirits when you wrote which made me feel bad also. I hope you will not let
any such feelings get hold of you again for I will be with you now in a few days
and probably without shooting a gun at anyone or one being fired at me, and I
tell you I will Know how to appreciate a good home and society of a loving
family for I have seen some of the most disagreeable times here I have Ever
before seen and when I get back I can give you a History
To day our
Company are out Scouting and will probably be gone until night The reason of
their going is that a young man by the name of Whitney of the Woodstock Co.
while out yesterday riding in Company with a german officer was shot dead by the
rebels who were some 40 or 50 in number. Immediately a Company of our men were
sent out and made out in taking two rebels who are now here One of them had
blood on his pants and is probably the one who shot Whitney. What they will do
with them I dont Know but probably shoot them, so our Co has gone out to see if
they can get sight at any more of them and if possible bring them back with them
The reason I am not with them is because I am not yet strong enough to stand
such a jant with a heavy gun and other fixings My other duties also would
prevent me from leaving Camp so Early in the morning. My health is improving
though rather slowly but I will be satisfied if I can get home as
well as I am now, then I think I will be smart in a few days. I went down to the
Fort Sunday and stayed there all day which was a very pleasant way of spending
one day but I was glad to get back to Camp at night with the rest of the boys.
We have now but 4 boys sick in the Hospital and they are gaining Every day and
it looks as if we would take all of them back with us. I will write to day home
to have some money sent to you to pay Silas and to go [ ] with that is if I dont go that way I will let you Know
in time so you can go a day or two before me and then you can see to having some
one clean up the house a little befor I get there. I suppose the Swanton folks
are going to give us a good time when we arrive. You need not write me again
after receiving this for no Knowing where I shall be in one week from now I will
write Evry few days and Keep you posted as to our movements; and you must be
content if I am without writing Kiss the Children and Accept one for
yourself
from your affectionate HusbandVal G Barney