Pvt. Henry Brown, 21st Mass.
Annapolis, MD, Camp Lincoln, Dec. 15, 1861

 

Dear Mother,

I received your letter last Monday. I am glad you got the money. I waited till I got the box before I wrote. It come today. I thank you very much for sending it. Everything tastes twice as nice for coming from home. Tell the neighbors I thank them very much for the things they sent. Thank Mrs. Matherson for her gift. The things were all good except the meat which was moldy. I am very glad you sent the reading. It will serve to pass away the long evenings.

We have to drill pretty hard now. We took another march Tuesday, about five miles. We went to South River Ferry. We had a pretty good time. We were pretty tired when we got back. It is hard work to carry our knapsacks with all the clothing and blankets with our equipment and cartridges and rations. We drilled an hour yesterday.

There was a review of all troops here at Annapolis . There were eleven regiments, ours, 23, 25, 27 Mass., 11, 51 Penn., 51, 53 Zouaves, 57th Cavalry NY, 8, 11 Connecticut. It was a grand sight to see them all drawn up in lines. We were reviewed by General Foster and several other officers of high rank.

The 24th Mass Regiment came here yesterday. Four companies stayed in the yard last night. It is one of the most splendid regiments I have seen yet. They have the prettiest bands I have ever heard. They played last night in front of General Foster's quarters. The 25th come in this morning and escorted the 24th out to camp. We do not expect to go on this expedition.

I have not seen Uncle Charles yet. I have seen some fellows in his company. They said he had been here several times to see me. I sent to have him come in. I suppose he did the next day but we went out in the country. He can't come in again till Tuesday, the day he comes off guard.

It is now the middle of December but we have not had any snow. The weather has been very pleasant so far. Today is Sunday but it has not been kept very well. About ninety of the boys been unloading stores for the 24th and been down in the bay to unload a steamer that is run aground. The rest have been packing stores for the 24th. I had to leave writing to unload the stores.

I had a bully supper tonight; the best I have had for a great while. It is reported that Charleston is burnt by the niggers but we can't tell if it is true or not yet. Write as soon as you get this. Write all the news. I send my love to you and all the rest. Goodbye for this time.

This is from your son,

Henry W. Brown
Co. F, 21st Mass Vol.

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1861

 
[ Letter1 - Arriving in Camp Annapolis, Maryland ] [ Letter2 10-20-1861 - Sick in Camp ] [ Letter3 10-25-1861  - Descprtion of Annapolis ] [ Letter4 10-30-1861 - Sentry Duty ] [ Letter5 11-21-61- Sick with Smallpox ] [ Letter6 12-02-1861 - Cost of living in Annapolis ] [ Letter7 12-07-1861 - Issued Enfield Rifles ] [ Letter8 12-15-1861 - Drilling and Review ] [ Letter9 2-8-1861 - Embarking for Burnside's Expedition ]
 

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