Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., June 24, ’64.
Dear Father, — We are still in our old position in the front line of rifle-pits. Our brigade was relieved last night, and put in the second line, but as there were not enough men in the brigade relieving us to fill up the space we occupied, six companies of my regiment had to remain. We are about as safe here as in the second line, unless the enemy attack us, which I don’t think he will do in our front. We have a thick skirt of woods in our front, which hides us from the rebel sharpshooters.
You will probably find James at home by the time this reaches you. He is pretty well frightened, and has not been of much use to me lately on that account. I think on the whole it was best for him to go home. He asked me to let him go, and I made no objection. He paid his own way home, as I had no money with me. Will you please settle with him up to the 22d day of June?
I wish you would send me, every few days, a five- or ten-dollar note in your letters, and charge the same to me. I have four months’ pay due me, but until I get it shall be dependent on what I receive from you.
I also wish that you would buy me a knife and send it on to me, as I need one very much.
The weather here is excessively hot. We had a man die of sun-stroke yesterday. We have had no rain for several weeks, to amount to anything.
Please send word to Mrs. Jones that I saw her son this morning. He is an aide on General Turner’s staff, and is in good health and spirits.
I am perfectly well, as I have been throughout the whole campaign.
The left of our army is swinging round to the rear of Petersburg. They have captured the Petersburg and Roanoke R. R., which is of great importance to the rebels. I hope we shall gradually close in on them, so that they will have to abandon their line here.
The smell around here from the dead bodies is anything but pleasant. Towards evening it becomes disgusting. Please give my love to Hannah and all the rest.
