GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #4
 

Anson to his Father

                                                                                    Camp Hicks[1], Jan 3^rd [1862]

Kind Father

            Enclosed please find a check on Mechanics Bank No. 491 for one hundred and twenty dollars for which you will please draw the money and distribute as follows: George M. Perry fifteen dollars – from Frank[2] - to Mrs. Sally H. Davis twenty dollars from Hezekiah[3] – to H. W. Williams ten dollars from Abiel[4] – to Mrs. Wm. Robbins twenty dollars from Morton[5] – and reserve fifty dollars from myself and Edwin – of which I send thirty and he twenty – my share please accept as partial payment for whatever expenses you have made before or since my being here – I have not kept account of the different items so cannot say how I wish it distributed. Those boots I wish to pay for – the stationary you sent – the freightage on the boxes sent us – and such other bills as you have made for my comfort or the Dudley Boys – I am twenty two and you know hence wish to pay my own bills while able and don’t you pay one cent as long as I can send enough. I don’t want to burden others and if this sum is sufficient to pay you – use it – if not I shall send more sometime – if not shot too soon however that will not make any difference when I get out of the way I shall have no expenses to pay.

            Bro Penniman sent me five dollars a few weeks since which (if his note is not paid) you will endorse.

            I have forgotten how my account with him stood – cannot say whether we settled before I left or not. If he did settle – I wish you would pay him five dollars if there should be enough to do it – beside paying your own bills against me – pay those first. I shall keep eight dollars which will be sufficient for incidental expenses.

            Our drills continue as usual only we drill in the Brigade instead of the Battalion – and are furnished with blank cartridges – and form lines of battle firing as in actual engagement.

            Yesterday I was on guard so did not drill – but the boys told me our battalion was reprimanded by General Foster[6] for firing before the word of command – The Major gave the command “Aim!” When one gun happened to fire in the right wing and all went – then in the left wing one went off and all followed suit – I tell you the old General was mad – and said every man ought to put in the Guard House. I think if our Colonel had been in command the mistake would not have happened. The boys like him so much they are very careful to obey but when the Major[7] has command they don’t seem to care.

            Our company had a “Target Shoot” the other day at a distance of 150 yards and made some grand shots – one hitting in the Bullseye. The mark was about two feet square. My shots were just passed it and all were said to be good. Morton hit it. The boys have just brought into the tent our ration of fresh soft bread which we now have every other day. Our meat is mostly salt horse yet we get fresh occasionally. Rice once a week – beans once a week – soup once a week. Everything is cooked camp style and tastes as much like home as your corned beef would if twice as salt and boiled without freshening_ I have enough to eat such as it is_ we are in first rate health and spirit. The boys join me in sending our best regards to all inquiring.

                                                                                    Your dutiful,

                                                                                    Anson

[Written upside down on top of letter]

            Please write as soon as receiving. Give my respects to Bro. Abbott. I wrote them a letter long time since but they don’t write also remember me to all the brethren especially uncle Henry_ pray for us we are endeavoring to live Christians.

(Written around the perimeter)

            Enclosed I also send Alberts picture which you may dispose of as you see fit. I cannot keep it without spoiling it.