Camp 1st Mass. H. Art., March 28, 1865.
Dear Jed:
I received your letter. I take this opportunity to answer, not knowing that I shall ever have another. We are under orders to move at 6 A.M. tomorrow; rations are being drawn and other little matters attended to, but you know too well how this is all done. The 24th Corps is here with Sheridan’s famous raiders and rumors have it that we are to join Sherman across the Country. I hope so for one; but it may only be a move for the south side of the R. R. The recommendations that you wished me to get for you have been obtained. I feel as though I must give you a little advice. Have you considered and made up your mind to give the rest of your years to your country? Either branches of the service are apt to lose their charm after a few years. It seems to me that you could choose some occupation or profession that you would be more capable of, and feel better satisfied with. I am willing, so far as it lays in my power, to do anything for you, even giving money for your advancement, of which you were robbed, by entering the service at so youthful an age. We can say that we passed three years in our country’s service together. I will close now, to get a little sleep before tomorrow’s movements. I beg of you now give this subject a long thought, for I think that your future depends upon it. You are moulding what is to be the man.
Give my love to all; please remember me to all enquiring friends.
Ever your brother,
L. Bradley, Jr.
