October 29, 1861: Washington, DC


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Camp Tennally
Washington, DC
October 29/61

Dear Father,

Having a few leisure moments I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know how things are going here.

I received a letter from Tom McClelland and Alf Davitt they were both very short nevertheless I was glad to receive them. Tom tells me he is doing better now than he has done since he opened; he has got rid of his worthless partner.

Our division under command of Genl. Buell, will be reviewed tomorrow by Genl. McClellan and staff at Meredian Hill, so Luke tells me.

The winter is “commencing to come”, we have a heavy frost every night, so heavy, that it looks as if it had been snowing during the these cold nights gets the men up soon in morning, they get out of bed and come to the fire to get warm.

We had a pole raising in Tenallytown day before yesterday, there were several speaches, Col. Righter of the Anderson Zouaves, delivered an able address, so I am told for I was not there at the time, a private from his Reg. also spoke a few words. The only excitement in Camp at present is the making out of Pay rolls, The men are all deeply interested in them, myself among the rest, it is said we will be paid Monday, I hope so! As soon as we are payed off, Lieut. Hinton will leave for Pitt to hunt up recruits, may he meet with much success. Does Bob every come up of an evening and help you? How do you like the new house; I guess Matthews don’t like it altogether, about you moving back to Brownstown. Remember us to all the folks.

I remain your Son,
Simeon