Fort Ramsey, VA, Feb 15, 1863

Dear Frank and Marys -

This is a rainy Sunday and consequently no inspection, and it is a regular stay inside day with us. I am enjoying myself now a little better than ever on account of having such a goodhearted commander. I think all the boys would say the same thing.

All but one or two of the whole battery, have signed a petition to Gov. Andrew, asking that he may receive the appointment of Captain. Being all so united in opinion on this subject I think will have great influence. Lieut. Whittaker has got influential friends in Boston who are working hard in his favour so I understand. But should he get the appointment, more than half of the men would desert at the first opportunity. We all go in for "Ericson".

We have had some interesting drill this week at target shooting, and experimental firing. Friday last, one gun (6th detachment) was used for the practice, all other cannoneers going out mounted on horseback to witness the shooting. The gunner, whose piece goes out, has sole charge of the firing for the day. And as gunner Lincoln was sick I being next in rank, went out as acting gunner. We have to take different distances, estimate the number of yards, elevation at which to point the gun, and time required for the shell to reach the object, so as to cut the fuze right. Shell is calculated so as to burst in the object, and spherical case 50 to 75 yards short of it. We practiced on all the kind of ammunition we have, solid shot, shell, spherical case and cannister. I did first rate, as well as any person could under the circumstances, and gained credit by it. We find that some fuzes are very poorly made and no dependence is to be placed upon them. One fuze which was set to burst the shell at 500 yards, burst it immediately upon leaving the gun, but did not happen to hurt any one although the pieces flew in around some of our men. It came near being a serious accident. But a miss etc. But I can tell you about all this sometime, better than can write it.

We cleaned out one Sutter this week, so thoroughly that not one thing was left on another, and all he got off with was what he could take in a wagon load, and clear with quick. When I say we, I mean not that I helped with my hands exactly. Although perhaps I might just as well have done so. for there was only one man connected with the battery, who was opposed to it. That was Lieut Whittaker! I was corporal of the guard that night, and when Lieut Ericson, ordered out the guard, of course I brought them to the scene. But the distance from the guard house to the Sutters shanty was so far (about as far from your house to Loves's) that of course it took fifteen or twenty minutes to get there. But the mischief was already done by that time. What a pity! He treated the boys so kindly(?) and charged them such reasonable (?) prices. besides being so neat and clean in his cooking and only making 125 per ct profit on his goods! Wasn't it too bad! What a lawless set thse soldiers are!

The brigade, the regiments of which have been in camp around us so long, moved away last Friday, and their places have been filled with the "Pennsylvania Reserves" from the Point [could be fort? - rlm]. It seems to us like losing old friends when they went. I shouldn't be surpised if we got orders to move shortly.

I rec'd your letter Mary on Wednesday. I am so sorry to hear that little Mary has been sick, and of course readily excuse you for not writing oftener. I hope to hear better news about her in every future letter I receive from you. I often see such rabbit hunts as that slip you cut from a paper described. On our target shooting drill, of Friday, above mentioned, a rabbit was seen and immediately 30 or 40 of our ment had left their horses, and were in full pursuit. In a few moments the rabbit was dangling by the tail over the shoulders of a lucky man.

but I must close now. I thank you for your good letters. I hope that you and Frank, will go to Windham [Windham, NH - old family homestead - rlm] this summer.

To Frank's question, I would say that I see no other way to obtain peace but to conquer a peace, and I believe it will be done.

Love to all enquiring friends, and with much love to you both, I remain your affect. brother,

William

Insert in Envelope:

Much obliged for your portion of the contents of the box. The watch guard is just the thing. The Mollases candy had melted all together, but a blow or two on the bottom of the can with a hatchet, seperated it all into pieces again. The drawing materials Dick Holland pronounces "perfect" and you will occasionally receive a "picter" [none in our family files - rlm]. The stationary was very acceptable for I have been out of any for some time. It would pay you all for your trouble could you but see the pleasure with which a box is rec'd and the happiness it occasions.

W.

Le couteau est bon ["The knife is good" - rlm]

Transcribed and noted by Rebecca MacAllester.