Camp Douglas Chicago Ill Jany 14th 1862Dear Maria

Page 1

You no doubt have seen by the papers the account of our exchange and will be looking to see where we are ordered As yet we have recd no orders but we are in hopes to be sent East and to the Vermont Brigade The 65 Ill has recd marching orders, and will be leaving here in a very few days they are going to Memphis posibly we will be sent there also but I conclude not for the reason that we did not get orders at the same time that they did. Our Regiment is rather small now on account of desertions, deaths, and discharges also for the reason that many have enlisted and still continue to enlist in the regular service but according to the order only 100 can go from each Regiment so we have furnished nearly our number and will not be troubled in that way much more My Co. now number 65 in all and 40 for duty and this is about an average of other Companys I recd a letter from you last night in which you state you found no $5 Bills in the

package. I am perfectly sure I put in either 4 or 6 5s and they were on the top so of course they were the first they came to in opening the package. I have hope of recovering the money and think if the Envelope ever gets here and shows that it has been opened and it will no doubt that the money will be immediately paid over I am in hopes it will be here before I go away but should it not I will have Mr Stebbins tend to the business for me I think or some good man. We expect marching orders every day and will no doubt be gong some where within a week or two We are getting the men ready as far as clothing is concerned, I am still on the Court Marshall and am writing you between hours. I think I will send my trunk home by Express and all trash that I cant take with me into the field conveniently. Meigs & Sartwell cant go home now and S- feels pretty sober about it I visited at Mrs. Snows last Sunday after writing you and enjoyed myself well- I still continue to feel first rate am quite fleshy and full of fun generally I will write no more at present as my time is nearly up for me to report As soon as we get orders to leave here I will let you know.

Kisses for the children and love to you Val G. Barney