Headquarters Heavy Artillery,
14th Mass. Regt., Co. B.
Fort Albany, March 5, 1862.
Dear Mother and Brothers:
We fired a National Salute here yesterday in honor of the first anniversary of Lincoln’s inauguration. It happened to be my detatchment that fired it, so I can say I have helped fire a cannon 6 P.dr. brass. 20 guns were fired, then we limbered up and run into the Fort.
Well, how do you get along with the Geese? Jerry told me you were not going to keep any this year, but I am glad you are. Write me which ones you keep and ducks and hens, because I am a little anxious to know how things go long about the Bradley Farm.
We had a lively time here the other day. I was making out pay-rolls, but when the order came to fall in, I seized my old comrade [gun] and went down. We formed in line and the adjutant read the orders from McClellan to Division Generals; it was to be ready to march, how much we could carry and to keep 2 days Rations ahead, in case of emergency. We have had several other orders since which indicate a forward movement. I hope we shall go, fighting or not.
Had a letter from Hull to-night. I have been making out papers to enable him to draw his pay in Massachusetts.
The Capt. has had a cold and does not feel very well. I have written a good long letter and I don’t believe he will. Jerry is well and on guard as drummer. By our latest news we have possession of Columbus, that great place of the Rebels. I think our army of Kentucky has done the most so far.
The Chaplin has got his wife out here and a Lieu’t had his come to-night. We shall soon have a village.
We have men from Washington to work on the Fort, as the frost has caused the Ramparts to slide off into the ditch. We hear considerable said about going home: some say in a month, others a year and some three years. Don’t make much difference to me.
As I know of nothing else to write, I will close.
Signed, Sealed in presence of
Leverett Bradley, Jr.
George, you may give my respects to the Gals and Boys about Pleasant Valley.
