Augusta County: Samuel Franklin Carson to his
Brother, October 7, 1863
Summary:
Carson writes his brother, discussing increasing desertion rates and the
generally improving health of his fellow soldiers. In the postscript, he
asks that his brother send him a pair of boots and some rations, explaining
that food is running low, it now costs cash, and officers haven't been
payed in some time. He also mentions a trip to Richmond.
Oct 7th 1863
Camp Stonewall Brigade
Dear Brother,
After waiting some three weeks for an answer to my last, I have again seated myself for the purpose of writing you a short Epistle, however interesting it may prove to you.
I have but little news to write you from this quarter. Things remain pretty
much as they were when I last wrote you _ with the exception, that the
Yankees have moved more to our left,- from some cause or other not laid
down to us on this program. It is reported by our scouts, that they have
sent one Corps to the west or some other point; this may or may not be
true, but of one thing all seem to be satisfied, and that is that General Mead is satisfied to
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remain in
his present position and not to advance on us in ours. Some little
skirmishing occasionally occurs between our cavalry and that of the enemy,
which in the end amounts to nothing. So it is with the infantry pickets
along the Rapidan.
Since we have been at this place, there have been some 4 men out of our Regiment who have deserted and gone to the enemy, last night a Lieutenant out of Co "G" deserted whilst on picket. A great deal of desertion is going on all through the army, and as many are being shot for the same offence. It seems the more shooting, the more desertion.
The health of our men has not been so good since we came to this camp. There
are now 6 men in our company unfit for duty: most of whom have had light
attacks of fever, but are now
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on the mend & I hope will
be fit for duty in a few days. I believe this is all I have to say for the
present, so I will close hoping to hear from you soon. My love to Sister,
little Jimmie & his
sis/sister
Sam Frank
P.S.
I wrote to Bob & also to you about
having me a pair of boots
made, I trust one of you will attend to it
for me, as my old ones are nearly past wearing. don't want the [deleted: ] to be too heavy. If you have an opportunity that you
think safe I would be glad you would get Liza to fix me up a box of
provisions and send them down. They are scarce & hard for the
officers to get without paying the cash,
& this a great many can't do at
present as they have
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failed to pay us [illeg.] for
some time. I still have a little.
Jack Hanger says to tell Bob to send him
4 gallons of brandy & if it is good he
will recommend it to the Surgeons
& nothing more.
-C
Dear Adela
For fear
that you did not get my letter from Richmond I will write you a few
lines this morning I had a great old time going [illeg.] on
the Boat.
