Camp Desota, VA
Sept 13th, 1861
 
Dear Sister Ellen,
 
Your favor of 21st Aug was rec’d while in Camp Magruder. Would of answer immediately but we was just on the eve of starting to this place. We have been at this place just one week today. Not very well satisfied with this location for a camp. Hope we will not remain here long. This camp is located near Corkletown on York River about half way between Yorktown and Bethel Church – where the Battle was fought. We are anticipating an attack everyday. And if the Enemy wants a fight, all they have to do is come out of their forts and they will be sure to get one for our General is very anxious to get another lick at them which will I think satisfy them especially on this point or peninsula. Ellen, I am very much at a loss what to write you as there has nothing new transpired since I last wrote to the family but I will write you something in regard to our duties which we have to perform. First I will tell you our daily duties. Every morning the first thing is revalie which is beaten very early. Each Company is formed into line. The roll is then called. All that are able for duty are marked on the roll book for duty that day. Those that sick are put on a list and handed to the Surgeon. They are then examined by him. If he reports them not sick, they are arrested, placed under guard and put on extra duty. The ranks are then broken, breakfast is then to get, our wood and water to get and cook breakfast which consumes some time and not a very light job. We have two drills before noon, Company and Battalion drill which consumes about 3 hours. In the evening we have a Battalion drill and dress parade, which consumes the same time. We received orders on dress parade last evening – to fall a large scope of timber and erect 3 large batteries. So you see there is no rest for a soldier.
 
You will excuse me for writing in this kind of a manner, but thinking you would like to know what we have to do and how we get on. This leaves me enjoying fine health. We have a few bad cases of Typhoid fever in our Company. Dr. Dickinson, Dave Richardson and one or two others. They are thought to be improving. Sam Hood is mending but will be some time before he is able for duty. As this is the last piece of paper I can find, I will have to quit writing.
 
Wint
 
P. S. You see from my writing that this was written in haste. You will excuse this as I have nothing to write on and but very little to write with. I neglected to mention the death of Mr. Leach, a young man of our Company. He died at Williamsburg in the hospital. His disease was Typhoid fever.
 
Wint