Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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To day is Monday and a pleasant day it is the sun is shining very brightly and
the mud in camp is drying up quite fast. I should have written to you yesterday
(Sunday) but the reason for not dong so I hardly dare tell you but I will as you
know something how Sundays are passed generally in Camp We are obliged to muster
every two mos, and Feby 28th was our muster day and about that time much writing
has to be done making out muster and Pay Rolls & monthly returns &c. I
being on Court martial those duties devolved upon Lt Sherman, but for some
reason the thing was not done so I was obliged to apply myself Sat. afternoon
and all day yesterday to finish up the papers and not be behind time I got
through about 6 oc p.m. and as Mrs Cora L.V. Hatch was to lecture down town I
went to hear her and was paid abundantly for my trouble in going as her lecture
was very good and something after the style of I received a letter from J.P. Jewett a day or two since also
one from A.B. Jewett and he sent me his photograph which was good.
Miss Sprague. I received a letter from you yesterday morning and two
last Friday morning one was dated Feby 20th and the other the 23d but they were
both stamped at Swanton the same day and probably left there at the same time.
They were the first I had received from you for a week and no doubt I should
have written you and given you a scolding for not hearing from you often I think
as much of your letters as any one can think of getting letters and were it not
that I could hear from you often while away time would seem very long and my
pleasures but few. but I thank Heaven that I am blessed with a loving wife and
two darling little ones and I am also thankful that during my absence and in
times of war we can converse with each other though there is a great distance
between us. Your last letter what shall I say of it. I am glad you did not fully
resolve to not write regularly and that your better nature was strong enough to
over- come any such sugestions to your mind The ending or closing up of the
letter is what come to my mind very forcibly and the expression that “this is
from one who loves you almost too well” having
been made, it sank
deep into my soul I really hope you have not lost all confidence in me as this
would indicate and I dont think you have, and that you did not intend to convey
the meaning that the words really do. I know you have a strong love for me and
stronger it may be than I really deserve but do not even if you have not the
fullest con- fidence let me know of it for without you and your confidence I am
a miserable man and may God grant that I may so conduct myself as to always
enjoy your approving smiles. I have written you twice a week ever since I cam
back with the exception of one week and I suppose you have received them all,
and I assure you it is no task for me to write you but one of my greatest
pleasures to sit down and write what I know you will peruse and with pleasure
because it is written by me. but if by my neglect I have caused you to feel hard
I hope you will pass by it this time and I will try and be more punctual in
future but never think it is because I dont think of you that I perform any act
of my life is for no one
knows the depth of feeling I have for you and with you lies the power to make me miserable or
happy, and I know you will always endeavour to make me the latter but enough
perhaps has been said on this point at present. Every thing is jogging on here
in camp as usual. A day or two ago a Corpl of Co K shot a private of the 65th
Ill while he was attempting to run the guard he was brought before the Gen and
found to have done his duty as we was sworn to and acquitted with honor. A day
or two before one of the 65th shot a rebel who insisted on being on top a shanty
and converse with men outside of camp the sentinel gave him 5 minutes to get in
and when that was up he was till there and was therefore shot. We are well as
usual here Sergt Meigs has been a little unwell for a few days and has had the
varioloid but has been around in quarters all this while. It goes very light and
I dont know as I should care if I had it now and I may whether I want it or not.
I hope to get paid soon so as to supply you with funds to pay up all my debts.
Kiss the children and have Carrie write again so I can see if she improves any
and I will write her
Your devoted Husband V.G.Barney