John McCoy, letter, to Martha McCoy, 1865 March 22

now than for some time past — I wrote a letter to you a few days ago which renders it unnecessary to say much at present my health is better than usual for the last few days I am still waiter in the dining room it is easy work if it continues but nothing is or can be considered permanent here. an as I predicted to you one year ago North Carolina has become the fighting ground and before many days a battle or series of battles will be faught the ^most^ important since the commencement of the war as the issue will decide whether the rebellion is ended or inaugurated or renewed for a year or term of years longer troops are sending up dily to Schofield and it is rumored here to day that has he has formed a Junction at Goldsboro with Sherman I will not attempt to give you a description

of matters here as it would require tvo two or three sheets of "foolscap" 6 companies of the 2 Mass is gone to the front. they were in the Battle near Kingston and faught well they ^left^ a good many [illegible][guess (SJW): in wounded] and prisoners my company is still in plymouth Vance has gone to the front I believe with his Company (CO 6.) one of his company that came with him from Mass says he never sent any money home he spent it all which I think very likely as it to appears when he got paid in Dec. last his money only lasted a few days perhaps he lyed to me when he said he sent the money home as he would be ashamed to acknowledge to some to me he spent it all seeing such conduct was contrary to my advice Jim was a good Boy but foolish for

himself had he been in my Co I would have seen that his money was sent to his father. but the way it was I could not see to it —- I think for the present you may give up all hopes ^of^ seeing [illegible][guess (SJW): this] prodigal as all men fit for duty and not needed in Hospital as sending to their Regts —- I should like will to spend a few days at home this spring but I believe the decree has gone [illegible][guess (SJW): [forth that it should be otherwise] Remember me to Arthur tell him I am in hopes to assist him in wileing away some long evenings with the few incidents of my long short absence from home I am still afraid to hear from father I hope he is