Houghton Civil War Letters

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We have had one alarm since we have been in this place we ordered to be ready to man the guns at a minutes notice three Companys of the 158 NY went out to scout and see what caused the alarm and found two mule teams that had go belated so that they could not before the countersign was out they came in about eleven o'clock but as far as I was concerned ( at least so my tent mates say) the whole rebel army might have marched into the place and not have wakened me all I know is I did not wake up untill reveille next morning and then with a great deal of shaking There is a rumor that our Captain

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offered the services of the Company to go to Wilmington to help take that place but I dont hardly believe it if it is true by the time you get this I may be under my first fire You spok in your last letter that you had directed one letter to Fort Macon Georgia I received it but Fort Macon is in North Carolina. To give you an idea how we look when we turn out for inspection or guard mounting I will tell you know we have to have our guns and equipment I will begin with our clothes they have to be brushed neatly butons polished brightly and not a dirty spot seen any where on the cloth our boots and

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shoes neatly blacked. our brasses polished so as to look like gold. our belts cartridge box cap box bayonet scabard blacked better than I ever blacked or had my boots shined to home our guns, I think I may safely say that you may go through the entire Company and not dirty a white kid glove inside or out or any where about them I care what place you put your hand they are perfectly clean the stock is is scraped and varnished the barrel, lock plate, trigger, guard, hammer, nipple bands, guide night in fact every piece of steel or brass

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is polished so bright that you can see your face in it. I have scoured away two guns and the third one well under way but honestly and fairley I have not exagerated it at all you may not believe but Company C is called the Cleanest body of men in this department and the Captain says he intend it shall be the best in every respect in U.S. service I still enjoy good health and keep in good spirrits We have not been paid of yet and I do not know when we I do not expect to before January I wish you would enclose a five dollar

bill as I have no money and am obliged to buy oil, wax, tripole and utensils to clean my gun with and very well get those without money. Perhaps the price of various articles may interest you Butter here is 45 cents a pound cheese 20scts lb, sugar 20 cts boots $10. { ? } shoes {16?} and other articles in proportion I wish you would send my English grammar Wells when you send my books I wish you would send them as soon as possible. I send enclosed a photograph of one of my old schoolmate I wish you would put it with the rest of my pictures which you will find in an envelope in the pocket on the top lid in