Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 26, 1864.
Dear Hannah, — I received a letter from you this morning dated July 22d. . . .
I am now in a most delightful situation, sitting under the shade of some large trees near General Burnside’s headquarters, with a delightfully cool breeze blowing. We are now enjoying our two days in the rear, but unfortunately they end this evening, making it necessary for us to go back to the second line of works.
Our brigade was reviewed this morning by General Ledlie. We had quite a decent review considering the situation we have been in.
My box arrived yesterday with everything safe. I invited John Jones to dinner, and just as dinner arrived, General Bartlett came in, so that we had quite a sociable time of it. Your candy and ginger came in as a dessert, and quite a welcome one it was. The cigars were very nice indeed. To-day I opened the cracker-box, and treated myself and friends to them. They were hard and dry, and tasted remarkably well.
I had a letter from Eliot Furness[1] a day or two ago, asking me to try and get him a position as field officer in one of the negro regiments under General Burnside. He said he wanted to get it so that he might be married. He is at present with General Gordon at Memphis, Tennessee.
That mine that I told you of is finished and I expect that it will soon be blown up. It extends under the first and second lines of the enemy. I understand that two or three tons of powder are to be placed in it. Imagine what a cheerful time the enemy, who may be above it when it is blown up, will have. . . .
[1] William Eliot Furness, a classmate.
