Joseph Spafford to Homer White
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When I last saw you as the boat was moving away from N.Y. I did not think it would be so long before I should write to, or hear from you, but on my part you must not think it is forgetfulness for I assure you I have often thought & spoken of writing you & wondered why you did not write me.
Since the time we left you at N.Y. we have had an easy & pleasant time, what
we shall have before our 9 months are out the Lord only
knows, but we hope for the best & look joyfully forward to the time when we
shall be all
together again in dear old Vt. I have not seen you
there for a long time but after I get home if you will come there I will give up
my whole time to visiting.
After we left Camp Vt. near Alexandria, we marched to this place (Fairfax C.H.)
& the Regts in our Brigade took turns in going down to Bull Run on picket
until about two weeks since we were releived by a Regt from Du Tassey’s Command
so now we are doing nothing but drilling. This place is pretty well done to as also is Centerville, there are not more than a
dozen or fifteen houses standing in either place & what are standing are about
done up.
Az still sticks to the promise he made of having two good times to one hard one
& making the thing pay that way. There is not a man in the Regt enjoys
himself better than he does, he is known all over the Brigade from the privates
up to the Col’s & even by the Brig. Gen. He has been over & sung to
him two or three evenings. Yesterday he broke his
bass drum head so now he will have nothing to do until he can get a new one. He
lives with the Capt & I. He says tell you he is in wealth & enjoys good
health & should be happy to have you respond. Says
tell you he lost ten dollars yesterday by breaking
his drum head
& made 25 cents playing Eucher says I need’nt tell you who he made it out of
for you dont know our 2d Lieut. Williams. George
Clark has been promoted to 2d Lieut in Co. D. & feels his oats. Brink is our
color bearer. Geo. (Dr. Geo.) is not very well at present & I am afraid will
have to resign but he may not. All the boys you know are well. I see Capt
Athertons paper once in a while with your writing in it. In regard to the War I
have nothing to say.
Give my love to Ed & Harry’s folks. Write me soon & a good long letter.
As Ever Your Sincere FriendJoseph Spafford