Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 29, ’64.
Dear Father, —We are now in the front line of works, having moved there last night. Being in the front line may save us from being in a charge, which I think will take place to-morrow. I think that the mine will be exploded to-morrow morning early. We have expected it to come off for the two past mornings, as the powder has been placed in it, and the thing is ready to be lighted. To-day General Burnside has had all his division generals up at headquarters, making preparations, I suppose, for to-morrow.
You remember that man that I had to shoot at Annapolis. He threatened, so I was told, all sorts of things. I paid no attention to them, but called the man up, and gave him a talking to. He is naturally a smart man, and has had a very good education. I treated him just the same as I did the other men, and tried to reform him, by showing that I had confidence in him, and that I was not going to help pull him down. He behaved very well, and rose to be first sergeant, until a few days ago, when he got hold of some whiskey, and began to fall into his old ways again. I had to reduce him to the ranks again, which made him feel very badly. I send you a note which he wrote me yesterday, marked private. Please have it filed away, and don’t let any one see it, as I wish to keep it among my papers. I think that he will keep his word, and will not touch anything while in the regiment.
I am still on court-martial and have to go every morning to division headquarters.
My health is good, as usual, much better even than when I am at home. I only feel the need of a little rest, from the constant wear and tear on one’s nerves, which every one feels here.
Please send me some stamps in your next letter, as I am entirely out of them.
General Hancock has moved to the other side of the James River, where he captured four cannon, and several prisoners. The cavalry have also gone out, no one knows where, but I imagine to get in rear of the rebels who are now in the Valley. . . .
