Fort Hayes, Near Petersburg, Va., Nov. 14, 1864
Dear Family:
Yours of the 6th inst arrived in due time. I have been waiting anxiously to hear from Jere, as he promised to write as soon as he got home. The process of getting mustered out should receive particular attention. I shall forward today his descriptive list, to Major Clark, Boston, Mass. I would advise Jerry to report without delay, after the receipt of this, and do the best he can, for his furlough and term of service expire at the same time.
The weather has been changeable for the past fortnight. At first it was exceedingly cold, then we began to have the beautiful indian summer. The days were perfectly delightful and the nights equally so; but now it seems as if cold winter had fairly set in, but we are fully prepared for him, with a large fire place and a comfortable sheebang. There have been quite a number of promotions in the regt.; doubtless you have read of them in the papers. There was a great deal of surprise expressed when the commissions came, for some have received them that we supposed stood no chance at all; two of them, B ――and A――n. have been in only one fight (the first) and have played ever since. The quarter master Sergt. was promoted, which left a vacancy there. I was asked for; but the Major refused to let me go, on the grounds that he wanted me here, to do the writing for the companies B and C. I think they are not using me exactly right; but still I shall not complain; but one thing is, he is discouraging good behavior and a soldierly bearing; but it shall not serve to move me from a straight and forward course. No one has gone as yet, and they know of no one to send. So perhaps I shall get it yet; but I shall not expect it. Promotions have been made in the Regiment by the Gov. without the sanction of the Regt. Commander. I am not particularly desirous of another lift, but if you think best and should some day have a chance to speak to some influential man, it would have a great weight in the matter. I understand now that names have been forwarded to the Gov. for promotion; but ignorant who they are. Genl. Hancock has tried to get this Corps to the rear in camp, but was unsuccessful. I for one was glad of it.
Old Fort days seem like home. Love to all.
L. Bradley, Jr.
[He was made quartermaster-sergeant.—Ed.]
