Cedar Bottom, Va., December 3d, 1864.
I have just settled in my new quarters with Captain Sudborough’s detachment. We are three miles from the regiment and five from City Point. The men are well pleased with this kind of soldiering. They have good quarters, plenty of rations, light duty, and are out of reach of Rebel bullets; the first time in seven months. There are sixty men on duty here.
Colonel Luce has resigned and starts for home next Monday. His reasons are given out as “broken health, ruined fortunes,” and a kindly regard for his men, whom he loves as a father loves his children. Had he remained, his rank would have forced us into the line, as the Second Brigade is now commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel.
He is one of the most kindly men I ever met, and we will miss him sadly. I am living alone, away from the noise and turmoil of my boisterous companions. I prefer thus to live, where I can work without interruption, and, when my task is done, can revel in my own small “world of thought.”
I will apply for a furlough next Monday. It will be detained five or six days in the “Circumlocution Office.” which will bring me home about the fifteenth, if successful.
