Post by SFX on May 26, 2009 15:44:14 GMT -4
03 October 1863
Dear Sister~
We arrived just outside of Leonard's Mills earlier this afternoon. The Major, who had gone on ahead was nearly all set up and I was directed to set up near him up on the hill. The sound of the rushing water of the nearby stream was a joy to my ears as I have been away from the ocean for much too long.
Cpl. Tim and a new recruit Pvt. Arnold helped me with setting my tent up and soon the others were arriving. Cpl. Tim then set to fixing my wagon. It seems the rough road had loosened the back and it was in need of repair. Once the others began to arrive, Pvt. Arnold escorted me to town to pick up supplies. By the time we returned, camp was set and the men were all visiting around the campfire. I put the supplies away and stopped to warm myself by the fire. Before long, stories of days past were being shared and the camaraderie Samuel must have felt was fully surrounding me.
We had two young men join the 20th today. Darryl and Darryl (Brandon and Brandon to the world). It seems the men are younger and younger as this war drives on. Pvt. Alden was back from leave and it was my first time being in his company. I fear my candidness may have taken him a bit by surprise, but being a gentleman, he did not let on.
Til tomorrow,
Christabell
04 October 1863
Sister, sister, sister~
Your city girl sister made it through her first meal on a campfire with iron cookware. I would have simply been lost without all of the wonderful help from the men. The kitchen was primitive at best. We were attempting to put out breakfast for a couple of dozen soldiers having only a small table on which to prepare. No bowls to speak of and hungry men waiting to be fed. Pvt. Dwayne was most helpful in tasting the sausages and bacon to assure me they were cooked to perfection. I fear we may need to secure an additional pig just to keep him well fed! Pvt. Gary was in for the day. I do so hope he takes good care of his injury or he will be back in sick call and unable to rejoin the unit.
And, sister, you would be amazed at how quickly the men disappeared once their bellies were full. If not for my asking of Pvts Darryl and Darryl, the cookware would have still been being washed come time to make supper! It seems the potter in town had his wares for sale in the morning (a tradition, I am told). Had I been aware, I may have gotten a piece or two myself. But alas, by the time the soldiers returned with their goods, the potter was plum cleaned out. Perhaps another time.
Having a few hours to myself, I donned my proper Widows Weeds and set about visiting. It is hard to believe it has been now 20 months since Samuel was killed. I do miss him so, but it was nice to be out among people again. Major Celli presented me with a beautiful bouquet for presenting such a nice meal. How sweet of him and the men. I visited briefly with the new folks in town. Miss Kelee and one of her children, Alex. Nice folks. The rest of the family was busy in town, but we will see more of them in the future.
You would have to laugh at me, sister. The townsfolk were having hayrides.I so wanted to go for a ride. So, Pvt. Keith Sr stopped a wagon and helped me to climb up. Well, let me tell you, I can only imagine what the people watching must have been thinking. There I was perched on the step ups, in my hoop, mind you, and my knee locked up. I was unable to swing up and over the side to get into the seat. Oh dear! So, (while trying not to laugh myself silly) I hopped back down. Pvt. Keith then escorted me to town where I was able to properly climb onto the wagon and go for a ride. I really must control those impulses in the future. A proper lady would never have thought to do such a thing.
About mid-afternoon, we were blessed by a visit from a wonderful man playing his bagpipes for us. Such a treat. He came in from town just to play for us. I feel we could use more music to lift the men's spirits here and perhaps some dancing? We were also given some apple cider pressed fresh that day. I saved it for the men to have warmed with breakfast.
Just as Cpl Smith and Pvt. Coltart were about to escort me to town for supplies, Pvt. Joe was visited by his lovely fiancee, Kristy and a dear friend of hers, Pam. Miss Kristy and Miss Pam were most helpful with the supper preparation. Miss Pam has a special affinity toward turnips. A most odd thing. I do so look forward to seeing them again. The chickens were not cooperating with being cooked on the spit. So we simply lay them upon the grates. The fish chowdah seemed a favorite and there was not a drop leftover. Grandfather would be pleased to see then men enjoying his recipe. The main meal consisted of the roasted chickens, sugar browned potatoes, a potato and turnip casserole, and gingered carrots. Our dear Pvt. Arnold was most generous in supplying us with prepared potatoes which saved hours of peeling and paring. I cannot tell you the time and blisters saved by such a nice contribution. While most of the men readily filled their plates, I fear there were a few who were mesmerized by the evil of playing cards. In exasperation, I gave up and had my dinner while they continued their game. I am most certain that had someone else removed the last of the chickens off of the grates, it would have been eaten as well as the rest was, but when I checked, it was still there. Perhaps a visit from the USSC may be in order. Ladies?
Your sister,
Christabell
05 October 1863
Dear Sister~
What a glorious morning it was today. I had awoken early and found Orion was above and setting into the trees as the sun rose. By the time the men began to stir, I had the fire going and was readying breakfast. Pvt. Alden and Pvt. Arnold were busily helping get the cookware ready for the morning meal when Sgt. Dudley took our three new men, Pvts Arnold, Darryl and Darryl (OK, so they are actually named Brandon and Brandon, but to me they are Darryl and my other brother, Darryl) for early morning drills. Cpl. Tim had family in town, so he had gone to visit before getting too far into his day and Cpl. Smith had already gone to town for church.
I must admit, my back had a bit of rheumatism in it this morning and I was in most need of assistance. Pvt. Coltart was a willing soul as were many others on this beautiful morning. I lifted nary a pot. Lt. Morris may make our sausage anytime. I added a recipe from our cousins in Virginia today. Sausage and apples. The men cleaned the pan and were asking for more. This war may keep some things from us, but a good meal is a good meal be it Northern or Southern.
After church, the townspeople came calling. They were most interested in how we were defending our country and all the promise it holds. Miss Sarah was selling her wares from the sutlery and Pvt. Keith Sr. entertained us with his violin.
Dear, dear sister ... we had a most unfortunate incident this afternoon. Those poor, dear new Privates were caught with a couple of local girls. Before I knew what was happening Sgt. had sent out a party to find the deserters and return them to camp. How dreadful to think of two young boys being labeled as deserters! Pvt. Keith, jr.and Pvt. Joe caught the two and escorted them back to camp. Sgt. was all set to send them to courts martial and have them executed for desertion. Fortunately, LT. realized they merely used poor judgment and sent them to me. I believe they feared that more than facing the wrong side of a firing squad. After a through discussion of proper camp rules and chain of command, I recommended they have extra guard duty. I fear, however, those local girls were not given the same consideration on etiquette and behavior of a proper young lady. This scandalous behavior seems to be a repeating scenario whenever we are near a town and the temptations seem too great for some of the men. I feel that perhaps some more strict guidelines may be necessary.
Well, Sister, it is growing late and we are leaving soon. I must get this to town to make the post before he rides.
My love to Mother,
Your Sister,
Christabell
Dear Sister~
We arrived just outside of Leonard's Mills earlier this afternoon. The Major, who had gone on ahead was nearly all set up and I was directed to set up near him up on the hill. The sound of the rushing water of the nearby stream was a joy to my ears as I have been away from the ocean for much too long.
Cpl. Tim and a new recruit Pvt. Arnold helped me with setting my tent up and soon the others were arriving. Cpl. Tim then set to fixing my wagon. It seems the rough road had loosened the back and it was in need of repair. Once the others began to arrive, Pvt. Arnold escorted me to town to pick up supplies. By the time we returned, camp was set and the men were all visiting around the campfire. I put the supplies away and stopped to warm myself by the fire. Before long, stories of days past were being shared and the camaraderie Samuel must have felt was fully surrounding me.
We had two young men join the 20th today. Darryl and Darryl (Brandon and Brandon to the world). It seems the men are younger and younger as this war drives on. Pvt. Alden was back from leave and it was my first time being in his company. I fear my candidness may have taken him a bit by surprise, but being a gentleman, he did not let on.
Til tomorrow,
Christabell
04 October 1863
Sister, sister, sister~
Your city girl sister made it through her first meal on a campfire with iron cookware. I would have simply been lost without all of the wonderful help from the men. The kitchen was primitive at best. We were attempting to put out breakfast for a couple of dozen soldiers having only a small table on which to prepare. No bowls to speak of and hungry men waiting to be fed. Pvt. Dwayne was most helpful in tasting the sausages and bacon to assure me they were cooked to perfection. I fear we may need to secure an additional pig just to keep him well fed! Pvt. Gary was in for the day. I do so hope he takes good care of his injury or he will be back in sick call and unable to rejoin the unit.
And, sister, you would be amazed at how quickly the men disappeared once their bellies were full. If not for my asking of Pvts Darryl and Darryl, the cookware would have still been being washed come time to make supper! It seems the potter in town had his wares for sale in the morning (a tradition, I am told). Had I been aware, I may have gotten a piece or two myself. But alas, by the time the soldiers returned with their goods, the potter was plum cleaned out. Perhaps another time.
Having a few hours to myself, I donned my proper Widows Weeds and set about visiting. It is hard to believe it has been now 20 months since Samuel was killed. I do miss him so, but it was nice to be out among people again. Major Celli presented me with a beautiful bouquet for presenting such a nice meal. How sweet of him and the men. I visited briefly with the new folks in town. Miss Kelee and one of her children, Alex. Nice folks. The rest of the family was busy in town, but we will see more of them in the future.
You would have to laugh at me, sister. The townsfolk were having hayrides.I so wanted to go for a ride. So, Pvt. Keith Sr stopped a wagon and helped me to climb up. Well, let me tell you, I can only imagine what the people watching must have been thinking. There I was perched on the step ups, in my hoop, mind you, and my knee locked up. I was unable to swing up and over the side to get into the seat. Oh dear! So, (while trying not to laugh myself silly) I hopped back down. Pvt. Keith then escorted me to town where I was able to properly climb onto the wagon and go for a ride. I really must control those impulses in the future. A proper lady would never have thought to do such a thing.
About mid-afternoon, we were blessed by a visit from a wonderful man playing his bagpipes for us. Such a treat. He came in from town just to play for us. I feel we could use more music to lift the men's spirits here and perhaps some dancing? We were also given some apple cider pressed fresh that day. I saved it for the men to have warmed with breakfast.
Just as Cpl Smith and Pvt. Coltart were about to escort me to town for supplies, Pvt. Joe was visited by his lovely fiancee, Kristy and a dear friend of hers, Pam. Miss Kristy and Miss Pam were most helpful with the supper preparation. Miss Pam has a special affinity toward turnips. A most odd thing. I do so look forward to seeing them again. The chickens were not cooperating with being cooked on the spit. So we simply lay them upon the grates. The fish chowdah seemed a favorite and there was not a drop leftover. Grandfather would be pleased to see then men enjoying his recipe. The main meal consisted of the roasted chickens, sugar browned potatoes, a potato and turnip casserole, and gingered carrots. Our dear Pvt. Arnold was most generous in supplying us with prepared potatoes which saved hours of peeling and paring. I cannot tell you the time and blisters saved by such a nice contribution. While most of the men readily filled their plates, I fear there were a few who were mesmerized by the evil of playing cards. In exasperation, I gave up and had my dinner while they continued their game. I am most certain that had someone else removed the last of the chickens off of the grates, it would have been eaten as well as the rest was, but when I checked, it was still there. Perhaps a visit from the USSC may be in order. Ladies?
Your sister,
Christabell
05 October 1863
Dear Sister~
What a glorious morning it was today. I had awoken early and found Orion was above and setting into the trees as the sun rose. By the time the men began to stir, I had the fire going and was readying breakfast. Pvt. Alden and Pvt. Arnold were busily helping get the cookware ready for the morning meal when Sgt. Dudley took our three new men, Pvts Arnold, Darryl and Darryl (OK, so they are actually named Brandon and Brandon, but to me they are Darryl and my other brother, Darryl) for early morning drills. Cpl. Tim had family in town, so he had gone to visit before getting too far into his day and Cpl. Smith had already gone to town for church.
I must admit, my back had a bit of rheumatism in it this morning and I was in most need of assistance. Pvt. Coltart was a willing soul as were many others on this beautiful morning. I lifted nary a pot. Lt. Morris may make our sausage anytime. I added a recipe from our cousins in Virginia today. Sausage and apples. The men cleaned the pan and were asking for more. This war may keep some things from us, but a good meal is a good meal be it Northern or Southern.
After church, the townspeople came calling. They were most interested in how we were defending our country and all the promise it holds. Miss Sarah was selling her wares from the sutlery and Pvt. Keith Sr. entertained us with his violin.
Dear, dear sister ... we had a most unfortunate incident this afternoon. Those poor, dear new Privates were caught with a couple of local girls. Before I knew what was happening Sgt. had sent out a party to find the deserters and return them to camp. How dreadful to think of two young boys being labeled as deserters! Pvt. Keith, jr.and Pvt. Joe caught the two and escorted them back to camp. Sgt. was all set to send them to courts martial and have them executed for desertion. Fortunately, LT. realized they merely used poor judgment and sent them to me. I believe they feared that more than facing the wrong side of a firing squad. After a through discussion of proper camp rules and chain of command, I recommended they have extra guard duty. I fear, however, those local girls were not given the same consideration on etiquette and behavior of a proper young lady. This scandalous behavior seems to be a repeating scenario whenever we are near a town and the temptations seem too great for some of the men. I feel that perhaps some more strict guidelines may be necessary.
Well, Sister, it is growing late and we are leaving soon. I must get this to town to make the post before he rides.
My love to Mother,
Your Sister,
Christabell