GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #20
 

Anson to Parents

  Fort Stevenson
Newbern, N.C.
Aug. 26^th [1863]

Dear Parents

            It has been more than a week since I have received any communication from you.

            The time hangs heavily while we wait for a mail and I suppose it is no use to write till after a boat has arrived from N. York for nothing will leave here till one comes in.

            But I feel that I ought to write about once a week. I will go some time.

            There is but little going on in the Department except some changes in the Leaders.

You have learned from the papers that the Dept. Of Eastern, Va. is now included in the 18^th Army Corps. Our Dept. Is now styled “Forces and Defences [sp.] of Newbern, N.C.” Gen. Peck from Fortress Monroe is now the commander here and making some slight alterations in the dispositions of the troops.

            They say he is a “stay-at-home’ general and we shall not have many expeditions into the Country.

            He has ordered our Company to rejoin the Regt. and a Co. From the 5^th R.I. Heavy Artillery have come to take our place at the Fort.

            The company have been here waiting to take our place for nearly a week but why they do not relieve our Guard and move to camp is indeed strange. Some misunderstanding about the Ordnance Stores I hear is one reason.

            Our Captain is a singular man. He is determined to keep us away from the Regt. as long as possible and would be “glad to march the Co. from the 25^th never to return with it while in service.” This I have heard him say. It suits him to be away from the commanders and have entire control of his little “Kingdom” which he cannot have within the pale of the Regt. Our Co. have had no trouble since coming out here (last June) have had an agreeable location on the bank of the river and matters have gone very smoothly in the Co.

            We have had a spring of the best water Newbern afforded[2] – the citizens have sent her for it in jugs. The gun boats send their men here. We dislike to leave it and drink the poor water of Camp Oliver. Wish we could take it with us.

            I suppose that you will learn by my last that I belong to the “Cripple Brigade” again. I was taken sick week ago Saturday by attacks of severe vomiting and strained by stomach considerable and left me very weak and sore which was followed by a slow and bilious fever. I have staggered round and waited on myself and avoided going to the hospital till now I think I am on the gain and will soon be on my feet again I hope. This being sick all summer don’t relish with me at all. “What a fool I was to come for a soldier” I sometimes think.

            Edwin is getting better slowly. Rugged as he has been it is not very pleasant for him to be in the Hospital but he gets along well.

                                                                                    Goodbye

                                                                                               Anson

[Written on top of first page]

Edwin sends love to all especially “Charlie.”