GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #27
 

Anson to Parents

Fort Gaston
 Newbern, N.C.
Sept. 24, 1863

Dear Parents:

            Not feeling well enough to help the boys in cleaning up the grounds about the Camp. I’ll employ my time in giving you a short account of the reason why I say “Fort Gaston” instead of “Pine Tree” This is the fourth camp we have occupied within four weeks. Fort Stevenson, Camp Oliver – Pine Tree - and this place.

            We had been at the “Pine” just long enough to begin to be at home – had just finished a good brick oven in which to roast our beef and bake our beans in anticipation of a good long stay – when a telegraphic dispatch came inquiring what was the letter of the Company that garrisoned Fort “Stevenson” on hearing this they sent an order at 10 AM Tuesday 22nd for us to report immediately to Head Quarters of the Defence [sp.] & Forces of Newbern. The order was delayed at our regimental Hd. Qrs so that we didn’t get it till after 2 P.M. when the signal officer came and notified the Captain. At this late hour we are expected to strike our Camp – march 7 miles – relieve some Company of duty and Pitch our own Camp again. You may guess there was some hard talk about Maj. Atwood for delaying the order so that it was five hours in getting to us while we might have received it10-30 well as not.

            We struck camp quickly as possible loaded the teams with what we should want for immediate use and started at a rapid rate for Newbern resting but little. When the Co. had arrived within ˝ mile of Gen. Peck’s Hd. Qrs. They were met by Gen. Palmer and notified that our destination was this place back about two miles up the Trent River. The Captain turned about marched back on the same road quite a distance then after trying a number of roads succeeded at last in getting the right one and arrived at the Fort about 10 in the eve unloaded the teams and the men crawled under the canvass and anywhere to keep comfortable till morn.

            Edwin did not attempt to march with but rode down on a team. I started with them but being very tired when the order came from working on the “sink” that I had just completed after a day and ˝ hard work with my men I was unable to keep up and Edwin happening along I got on the team with him and we left the Co. and rode directly to Newbern – got us a good supper and went to Camp Oliver where we staid with a comrade till morn. Ed found where the Co. had gone and walked over – I remained an hour or two and rode over on a Commissary team – I was very sorry to move for I hoped to get hearty and tough again as I used to be. I was gaining every day and the exercise of my provost duties made me fell more like my real self than I had before since the first of July. The water or something has affected me so that night before last a violent diarrhea set in accompanied by colic-like pains which has followed me for two days & nights reducing my strength far below zero but I hope to check it soon. My duties here I think will be quite light unless the Capt. conjures up something new for me to do.

            Edwin is getting along first rate – gaining his strength and flesh fast as he could wish - he says he feels “bully.” We are encamped at the one extremity of a bridge over the Trent a river about 300 yds. Wide. The Fort is a square structure of earth barricaded in the middle of the ditch with pine logs sharpened at the upper end. It has a 32 Pounder in each of the four corners and three navy guns (24 Pd. I should think) mounted in embrasure to command the plain – quite a strong little fort. We are 2 1/3 miles from the City by the direct route. With hopes to be better soon.

I remain your dutiful son

                                    Anson

[Written across the top on first page]

We have laid aside our large Sibley[1] tent and have built in their place the “A” tent such as we had at Camp Lincoln – we have stockaded them – that is built a square little house rising the tent for roof – giving us room enough for four single bunks two each side of the door – one above another. Hezzie, Ed, & Morton are my tent mates. Our arrangements are more comfortable now than they have ever been before. If you see Perry, give him my love and tell him to write me as he promised to. Tell him to that he need not get these pictures copied for me if he has not already.


[1] The Sibley tent measured 12 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter at the base. It was held up by a single pole in the center.

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