Letter from Frank to Fanny Hall. Camp Near White Oak Church, Va.
I send package of letters by express by Col. P. to Washington. All wify's letters have arrived but four. I think, as you will see by the package sent. They may yet come as some are very greatly delayed.
Camp Near White Oak Ch.
April 11th, 1863
Own dear one, I did not date my letter
just finished & sealed so I put it on the outside. I thought I would
Just write out the sheet to try & give you a picture of things a bit.
I am sitting in the tent by the table on one of the three legged stools which
I fixed with straps the other day. They do finely.
The day is delightful. The wind is pleasantly
flapping the tent. The Jersey band back of it has just finished a delightful
air. On the hill in front, to the left of the camp, the boys are playing
a game of ball & a few men are to be seen in camp who are excused from
picket. Two are washing & are carrying a pan down one of the streets.
A little Contraband over by one of the officer's tents has just been having
a tussle with one of the soldiers. Heavy guns are firing, off some where.
& The orderlies or water boys & others have been having a fine time
of rolicing. Numerous diff. things: the officers in parade & going out
to ride & "First sergeants to the front & center & then uppermost."
"Outward face to your posts double quick march." & then "Best mind leaving
me my horse & revolver & c. & c." Drums are beating round about.
Boys shooting & chopping & c. & c. There goes a caring man across
the parade.
That puts me in mind of one of the poop
whites down here telling Dr. Murphy & myself that there were some
Calvary over there to the left. They are a most vigorous degraded
lot around here. I must write a letter to poor William's father today, telling
him of his death.
Here comes Calvin Crowley, the
base drummer. He has put a letter into the mail bag. You see we have imposing
names in the regiment. He is a fine looking fellow, perhaps he has been writing
to his lady love. Capt. Tapley's brother has just been here. Edo has brought
his horse to him & he has started off to the Picket line to see the fellows.
Capt. Tapley is one Capt. of our regiment who is engaged in the quarter master's
department, Washington. He is a very bad man, that is the Captain was studying
for the Ministry. Is fearfully profane & whims with a woman not
his wife & do you like it, this was the man that was appointed to examine
& write the proficiency of Chaplains for the army. It is indeed melancholy
to think of the chaplains we have & have seen a number. Good by own wify
with kisses from own Franky.