Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
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I have rec’d lots letters fr you since I wrote. Have not felt very well this week
past, have had camp dysentary but am well of it now. We are having quiet times
here now comparatively. Some picket shooting is all, but McClellan’s order will
stop that now somewhat. I think we have taken the lead in that business since we
came over this side. We had a Capt. shot, one of the Californians yesterday
I expected some retaliation after our attacks on them & we have
had it. I would certainly let an enemy picket escape before I would shoot him.
It is no better than murder. Yet our men think its a great thing to shoot a
rebel in any manner. Two cos of Berdens sharp shooters, one the N. H. co. came
to day. Jones the Capt is a college mate of mine, & Bill Gibbs 2nd Lt. Baker
who was in college & law school with me was here to day fr Fort Corcoran -
2nd Lt. in the 18th Mass. I begin to think that we
shall have no
great battle along our line here at all. The Enemys position & defences are
too strong for us to risk a battle & the same is true of ours for them
therefore I think McClellan will send naval expeditions & attack their week
points & thus worry them out here, when we can advance without risk or great
loss. It would certainly be absurd for us to attack their strongest position
when they have so many weak ones. We are getting in better state every day now,
dont work so hard & are getting com-
fortable. Our old mess has
started again so me[n] live first rate comparatively. The we have good fair too. My
horse will be here this week, & I have engaged a contraband to wait on me.
You may send as many story papers to me as you please. Powers is Capt. of my old
Co. & a splendid fellow too. Mr Willis will have a good time sending his
stuff home when he gets here. If his reg’t. is put any where in the advance
will have to cut down to 80 pounds. We have had orders to that effect & I
shall send lots of stuff home soon. If I were to start again I believe I
would’nt take more than a knapsack full.
A pair of pants, shirt
& pr of spurs should make about the whole outfit of a soldier. I think Mr.
Willis’ friends are about as much to blame as he is they flatter him so much.
When you see shells flying at you for a mile or two distant you begin to think
revolvers are not of much account. I never had occasion to draw one except on my
own men. If one is stationed at a place for several weeks or months he might as
well have conveniences, but when on the move often he will find conveniences
decidedly inconvenient. Wonder if
you remember every
thing. Do you have cold weather north? we do here very.
Are’nt you kinder ashamed to ask yr husband if he loves you – Say -
Yr fond husbandW. G. Veazey