John McCoy, letter, to Martha McCoy, 1864 February 27

another week has about drawn to a close and I may say I have nothing of importance to place on record, only the usual camp report that the confederates is preparing for another attact on New-bern it may be true but I am certain they will not apprise us of their designs however a move must be made shortly one way or the other so the spring campaign must soon commence I would have written to you by yesterdays mail but a military excecution was to take place here Tomorrow (28th) and I waited to give you the particulars of the awful tradgey but I am ^happy^ to say a respite has been granted until further order be given. I came off guard this morning at nine Oclock [illegible] and as this is washing and cleaning day for inspection Tomorrow at ten oclock sunday being set apart for that everything must be in order Meredy can tell you what general inspection means and as we have some old soldiers (British deserters) here the say it is as strict as the British service if not more so— —The most of the men are enjoying themselves in the yard at different games but I prefer sitting

down at my stockade door and pening a few lines to you I was agreeably surprised on receiving your favor of the tenth it came to hand on the 23d I was on guard at the time when one of my tent mates told me I was among the favored few. we have a branch Post officer in the back at the Magors quarters his orderly carries them to the company ^orderlys^ room for distribution. I can tell you many a notion came into my head what the news could be and the predominant one was that some of the children was dead in the Diptheria as you mentioned the sore throats in your letter previous. I sent for it but ^no^ have the letter until I went myself slow and tedious was the time until the officer came with the relief on opening it I soon found the news was different from what I thought I wrote you a letter on the 18th instant and a long one to telling you how it was about the money Before receiving yours I had written to H. K. Oliver State Treasurer in Boston concerning it I gave all particulars to you I also enclosed five dollars for Mag I aslo enclose in this five dollars for my little Pip as I agreed

to do in my last that cleans me out all but twenty cents of scrip and 25 cents sutlers check there is no use in me keeping money here as I do not know the day it may fall into the hands of strangers or Pickpockets. in a short time I will write you a letter marked private for yourself. it will of course cover some paper and give some explanations. I am thakful that you see fit to answer my letters so promply you can do a little better yet postage is cheap and Hinchin-brook is greatly altered if it cannot afford news for a letter every week never mind waiting for mine if I am removed from here the letters will follow me with the same directions but I think you will ^hear^ pretty regular ^from me^ as I am very lonely when I think there is nothing in the mail bag for me when you get the money from Boston make yourself Comfortable and also the family I would like let out on interest if you can spare it the interest could help you a little but do what you think best with it if you let any out mind the security take advice

from some person you consider a friend If I live you may reckon 100 dollars or 120 a year from besides the remainder of the Bounty-Keep the children to school if possible Ellen will be able to go this summer the Boys has been neglected but for the future we must try and make amends- you must lend me some money to buy Archy a suit of clothes I will pay you soon mind look out this time for the measure—

Sunday 10 Oclock A. M. inspection over general inspection again tomorrow and muster tho mustering officers will be here to make out the roll for pay it must go to Washington then the pay master ^will^ come with the money. Ellen Maggy + Sarah must get them Hoop skirts and new dresses this will be fifteen dollars I have sent to them. my likeness you & mother can have if you say so the are very dear here and at least for the past I hought you would like to see the face of Lincoln better than mine mention how my father is and the rest of the family your mother + the rest and how the all get along mind Meredy and my Aunt Ann the mail is closing so good bye