“Tattoo” roll call is just over and I shall take the
interval till bed-time to write you a brief letter.
The mail came in a short time ago, and I received your very
pleasant letter of the 2d. I always kept very quiet about Captain Curtis' going
away, because I couldn't bear to believe it possible. For two or three months,
we have lived in the same tent and have been together constantly, and I think
he felt almost as badly when he went away as I did. I shall not think anything
about getting a position in the cavalry regiment, as the chances are so small.
I know Captain Curtis will do all he can for me. I should like to be a cavalry
officer for several reasons. It is the highest grade of the service, and it is
more dignified to have two or three horses and ride, than to go on foot; then,
after you are well drilled, you are sure of more active service than in
infantry.
Lieutenant Williams will undoubtedly have this company,
although nothing has yet been done about it. He had the luck to be second on
the roll of first lieutenants; I am sixth, so you see my captaincy is in the
distance. I have got a fine wood fire burning in a fireplace in my tent; it
makes it very comfortable. The weather is very cold, freezing almost every night.
SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 30
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