Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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I will try and write you a few lines though I hardly know how or when to commence
as there is scarcely any thing of interest that has transpired since I last
wrote I have been excused from the Court Martial to day in order to finish out
my Quarterly Returns and as I am all through I will now occupy a little time in
writing my thoughts to you I tell you it is quite a job to keep the accounts of
a company all right and every mans clothing accounts to Book but I have got so
that it does not puzzle me as much as it used to because I have found out the
Crooks and Turns We have not yet received any orders and do not know what is to
be done with us yet, but we all expect to be sent East before long. We have news
from Fredricksburgh and the report is that a the heavy battle is now
raging and that Gen Hooker is mortally wounded
Can it be possible
that we are to meet with another reverse this time I hope and pray not Probably
Brother Elisha is in the thickest of the fight for I see that Franklins division
has attacked their flank and I understand that the Vt Brigade is with him. I
shall be anxious to hear from him and as soon as he writes let me know. I see by
the Vt papers that he has been promoted to Lieut Col and I am glad for I think
he is worthy of most any position. Our Lieut Col. has sent in his Resignation
but I presume it will not be accepted as he is a good officer and in fact has no
first rate reason for resigning The weather here is very mild for this time of
the year and now the rain is slowly but steadily falling and the snow has
disapeared and the mud is getting to be quite deep. I never saw such a winter as
this before and I presume you never have in Vermont but we will most likely have
a rough time before it closes. That Envelope has not yet arrived but I hope to
get it soon. and get through with it before we are ordered away
I
spoke of sending home my trunk but I have concluded not to at present for it is
probably about the strongest think of the kind I can get and will stand the
Banging of camp. but should we be ordered away I think I will send home a lot of
my things which I do not much need to take with me. It is reported that a lot of
Rebel Prisoners are coming here but I doubt it as yet at any rate I hope we will
not be hindered from going to the field soon We are all well and I am full as
fleshy as I every have been before in my life and I think my stomach dificulty
is getting better and perhaps I will be a tough man by the time I go home again
I hope to hear from you to day. Give Carrie and Freddy a kiss each for me and
although I cant on account of the distance give you one you can imagine what I
would do could I see you I hope you will get along well at home and enjoy life
as much as possible un- der the circumstances
Truly your Affectionate Husband V. G. Barney