Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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Having a little time I thought I would write but at the same time I dont suppose
it will get to you in a week, but I must write now, for if I put it off any
longer no knowing when I should again commence. since I last wrote you on board
the Steamer "Maple Leaf" I have had quite an experience. We arrived here at abt
3 oc P.M. Oct 30th and found every body here all right and Col Ripley in Command
of the Post, which comprises our Regt, two cos of Cavalry, two cos of Heavy
Artilery, one co. Infantry 19th Wis. and is responsible for about 25 miles of
the R.R. I got our regiment into the barracks (if they can be so called) and
distributed so as to be quite comfortable but the Field and Staff are yet in
tents but we are trying to get some boards to build and I dont see why we cant
for their is a steam saw mill within a mile of here which belongs to the Govt
which cuts about 3000 feet per day. The next morning after I got
here I was appointed to muster two cos up on the RR towards Newbern one at a
station called Havelock and the other at Croatan. The latter place is 15 miles
from here and the ride was pretty hard considering the weather which was very
warm say about like a day in July in Vt- The next day I started to muster one of
our cos which is stationed at Bogue Sound 4 miles distant but missing my way
traveled about 6 miles before finding my mistake I then came back and took a new
start and got around all right but rather fatigued- I found this to be one of
the most despicable & poorest countries in the world. The inhabitants are
very far apart and squalid looking at that The country will compare with our
Whortleberry Marsh and the products are only Turpentine Tar & Game. I
understand Deer & Bears are very plenty also Ducks & Geese so we are
intending to have a hunt ere many days and I presume this will be our main
amusement. The health of the Regt has not improved much yet and I am afraid it
will not
very fast for this is considered one of the most unhealthy
places in this Dept. Is’nt it a find place to send a Regt to for sanitary purposes but we can live it through yet I think for we
begin to have frosty nights. My health continues good and when I look around I
think I am highly favored for most every body else are having the chills daily I
intend to go up to Newbern in a day or two to get me some things, a pair pants,
boots, blanket, stove pipe, &c &c- I expect to be deprived of hearing
from you as often as heretofore but we get a mail here twice a week so I presume
if you write about the right time I will get letters in a very few days after
they are written You had better direct to Newbern for the mail comes that way- I
will send you a little box of cotton as I picked it here in the garden where I
board- We intend getting our mess started in a day or two and not live on hair
and dirt any longer I shall find out soon how the steamers run and write as to
hit them I suppose Lester is at home by this time I think it best that he did
not come here. I have not heard form you since I left Ft. Monroe
Your Aff Husband Val