Camp 1st Mass. H. Arty., Near Burksville Junction, Va.,
Apr. 20, 1865.
Dear Jed:
I have been at work all the afternoon fixing up our tent. I have seen considerable within the last few weeks; when we first struck the “John Henrys “and had followed them a few miles, we began to pick up the relics by the bushels, a great many of which had to be thrown away, as the marches were so severe that the men had rather keep their tack; but we had but little of that. I have got a Confederate States Army Regulations. We are just getting the news of the surrender of Johnson to Sherman. The boys say be ready to meet them at the depot with your drums about the 4th July. They begin to feel more homesick; they feel they have done their duty and now want to go home. Some 60 cannon were dug up near the station today, which the Rebs buried, and placed head boards at the head of the graves; some were Sergts, corpls. &c, quite a joke! Our Co. (just previous to our first move from camp) was changed from the third to the Second Batt. Our U. S. colors got torn all to pieces in our late scrap, and shell broke the staff in three pieces and tore the flag from the staff. We pitch our tent this time as we used to last summer, high, and then build a bunk of poles. We have got a gay one. We have three wool blankets and are hunky! None of us expect any more fighting. I got a chronicle of our new president’s plans and views, the most noticible being, “treason must be punished.” I feel that the South were interested in the late assassination. It will avail them nothing; but will rather injure them. I think they can well say that this is a curious army: a foreign one would have massacred the inhabitants on receiving the news that we rec’d, but with us it was all quiet. Tell mother my catarrh is all right. Give my regards to all the boys and gals.
Love to all. Lev.
