Box 1

Tells about Brigade Inspection, composed of all Infantry, Cavalry and artillery - his company received the praise for best looking and cleanest located in Camp Concealment - but tells of conditions in Hagerstown

Telling about the fight in Fredericksburg - picket duty next day, also about his Division going to Aquia Creek in a few days.

Remarks about New Year's day, also about Gen. McClellan being ordered to Fortress Monroe, from which point he will proceed up the James River. Large reinforcements having arrived as they feel the enemy will make an attack.

About travelling for six hours on the railroad and being delayed - expects to remain in camp all winter

Expecting furlough, wanted to get home, but all furloughs canceled - etc.

elling of cruelty and negligence of non-coms, unncessary deaths due to soldiers sleeping on wet ground. Dissatisfaction of the men because Regulation Warrants for each Non-Commissioned Officer in the Regiment furnished by the War Dept. had not been distributed by the Colonel, but were being held by him, other things mentioned causing unrest among the soldiers.

Returning $50.00 a part of which was to be applied on a loan which his father made to him. Tells of the soldiers only being paid up to October 31st. - That he will do nothing drastic if and when the consolidation of regiments take place.

Tells of friend being promoted to a Lieutenancy. Capt. of his Regiment and Gen. Kenly were doing everything to get the soldiers papers, but Gen. Schenck was opposed to it, wouldn't be surprised if he didn't receive marching orders and there seemed nothing but change and doubt in the whole outfit.

Tells father the money he sent him would be safer in the house than in the Bank in case anything should occur. The weather continues cold, snow 1½ feet deep. States he is well but not in very good spirits for 2/3 of his Company has deserted since pay day - 150 from the Regiment and more were leaving every day.

Tells about the clothes they wear, shoes like gun boats, woolen stockings that make the look as dutch as sour kraut - Tells of another friend being made a Lieutenant.