Letter from Hiram, dated 1862-06-02

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P.S. We are now in Gen Franklin's Corps I hav'nt written half I wish to. The rest I must tell you

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Office of Ordnance Serjeant 2d Brg Camp near Coal Harbor June 2d 1862.

Dear William -

Your letter was received last evening. I had long looked for it and I assure you it was welcome. I am sorry to hear you sufferred such a relapse. They are bad at any time but especially when one wishes to be at his post of duty. I hope you will soon be able to join us and assume your old duties again.

I have very much to write you, but must be brief in expressing it. It will be pleasing to you to know that all here expressed their deep upset at your illness and absence, have without exception spoken in the highest terms of you and have inquired frequently if I had heard any thing from you. You will receive a warm greeting when you return.

I overtook the Brigade the next day after I left you at the White House, our trip up the York and Pamunkey Rivers was very pleasant. This whole country is slendid. The weather is quite warm.

Capt Wetherell is about so.so. His quantity Reports are not in yet. It is awful

Capt P.P. Pitkin has just received an order from the war Dept. to report at once to General Van Vliet for assignment to Brook's Brigade. I hope he will come in soon for it is almost intolerable. Capt has now his second Clerk since you left. A young man named Hastings of Canada, a Recruit. Do not be concerned Pitkin will give you something to do. Hastings is a good Clerk

I presume you have heard before this from home of the death of Lieut. Hill. He died at the General Hospital May 19th. Lieut. Carpenter has been promoted to fill Hill's place and Com. Serjt. Harvey has been appointed 2nd Lieut. in our Company. It is intolerable. No appointment could have been more dissatisfactory to me. I infer that Capt. Foster does not feel inclined to assist me in the least. My chances are good however for a better position than the 4th can give. The Quartermaster Ship of the 6th will soon be vacant. Cal Lord says he has in his Regt no man fit to fill it. Pitkin and Clarke both prefer me to any other man in the Brigade. Col. Stannard also has gone home to take command of the 9th (Vermont. He promised

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to use his influence in my favor for the Qt.- Mt.ship of that regt. I have these two chances & think I shall secure one of them. If I do wont there be some surprise when I go from 5th Sergt. in [?] to Reg [H?] Qt. Mt. I think I can perform the duties of the Position and merit a station as good. You need not mention this if you please till I give you notice that it has transpired. I may be disappointed but I have good friends who will do something for me before long. I trust you will get your [deserts?] befor long.

I have jjust seen Capt. Pitkin. He has got his assignment and came to inform Capt. W. Capt. W. was away. He will take it hard as you well know. Capt. P. will take possession at once. I feel emancipated. How Capt W. will straighten his accounts. Since Hastings came in [Hiram?] has done but little. Hastings wishes to be remembered to you on account of the reports he has heard of you. You will find him a good generous boy.

The Paymaster has made us a visit but only paid us for two months. Capt Foster could not draw yours on account of your not being here to sign the Pay roll. I have made out your Descriptive List

Will inclose it with this you can get your Pay and a Furlough on it which I strongly recommend you to do. The weather is so warm here and the exposure so great that you will [?] great risk if you come here before you fully recover. You had better take a furlough for 30 days at least. It will do you good. There is another thing if you go home at present you may stand a chance to get a commission in the 9th. A company is forming in the Washington Co. Capt Mower of [Calen's?] Recruiting officer. Try by all means. Lieut Carpenter is well, and so are nearly all in Company "G". Qr. Mr. Cushman is absent sick. Lieut. Harvey is actg.

I have not heard from any of your people since our letter from Yorktown was received. I have written both Mary and your Mother. Mary's last letter was received at White House but was prior in date to the reception of ours. I will forward your letters as requested. Capt. W. sends his best regards. [Hiram?] will write a line. All the boys wish you a speedy recovery and return and send their kindest regards.

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For me it is feeble to say you have my warmest love.

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I have written this in great Haste.

From Henry.

Tuesday morning

I send you your Descriptive List incomplete. The Company and Regimental Descriptive Books have been sent away. You can fill out your hight and occupation in nearly the same hand. I do not remember them. We were paid last by Major Freeman, Major Halsey being sick. I would send you some cash if I had it but I sent mine to Vermont. You will receive any quantity of mail matter this time. Do not try to read it all at once. The Capt's Monthly Reports are nearly finished. He takes his removal hard. Capt. Pitkin will not take possession for a few days as he is now assisting Capt [Meneder?] who is ill.

Wth best wishes and sincere regard

Yours

Henry.

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