Franklin County: Alvin H. Alexander to Lizzie,
February 12, 1863
Summary:
Alexander describes to his sister the comforts of camp life and comments on his
like and dislike of various officers around him.
Lizzie
Feb. 12th 1863
Camp Near New Bern N.C.
My Dear Sister Lizzie
Yours of the 2nd inst. was recd yesterday afternoon And I was very glad to
hear that you were all well at home I wrote to Sister Mollie and sent it with
the Captain. I suppose you have received it by this time. I was Sorry to See the
Captain go home after being So long togeather. But
he is getting old and I think he has done Enough for his Country. I suppose he
has had a busy time talking
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Since he got home. There is nothing of
importance going on here. The expedition that left here under Gen. Foster has not returned yet. We have moved into
Barracks and live very nice. My quarters are got up very nice. I have one room
to my Self about a large as mothers room up Stairs, with a Stove in it, and a Small lumber
room. And we are playing soldier in Style now. I am Regimental Officer of the
day to day and have an orderly to do my Errands. I got
white gloves for all company A. the other day and they came out in Style. The
weather is warm and we are having a pleasant time. I wish you all could be here
and see how nice we live. I would like to See you all
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at home. But I
think that that I will not be able to do for Some time. I would like to See this
war at an End but I am afraid that it will be Some time before it is over. We
received two months pay on the last day of January. I did not Send any home this
time as my Expenses were pretty large Since we were paid in October. We expect
to get two months more in a few days. We presented Col. Maxwell with a Sword on Sunday Evening which cost $150.00 dollars. It was a very nice one, he is very much
pleased with it. We are expecting Colonel [unclear: Lehman] back to day. But I am not very anxious to See him. If he
remains in Command I think I will go home for I will not Serve under a tyrant
and a Coward like him. And there is not an
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Officer in the Regiment
that will Serve under him. I beleive that I have
nothing more to write at present. Remember me to Capt. Laughlin and tell him that I am anxiously looking for a letter
from him. Much love to you all Uncle & Aunt & Mrs. McCoy
& family. Write soon and often.
Your Affectionate Brother
Alvy
I will write to Father & Mollie next time. I had a letter from Levi yesterday. They are both well. I am much obliged for the stamps. Alvy