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Raleigh C.H. June 3rd 1862
Dear Friend --
Your note (for it is too short to be called a letter) of the 18th came duly to hand, being forwarded from Winfield.
We left that place on the 9th of May. We remained a week at Gauley Bridge, when we proceeded to this place. We expected an attack when we first arrived from Humphrey Marshall who was reported coming on the [unclear: Loagan Road] with a considerable force.
We immediately commenced fortifying but up to this time all is quiet. The only force here at present is our regiment and about 100 Cavalry. The balance of our Brigade is at Lewisburg. Gen. Cox's forces are at Flat Top Mountain, 19 miles from here. Our Brigade consists of the 11th, 36th, 44th and 47th Ohio Regiments and Simmons' Battery and under the command of Col. Crook (acting Brig. Gen.)
I do not know how long we shall remain here. We are to be mustered and paid this week, and I suppose we shall sooner after move somewhere. I am begin= ning to be habituated to a soldier's life, but the thought often comes across my mind that I am not learning anything useful and forgetting what little I do know. --
I hope the war will close in time for me to [ come] go to Pennsyl vania to help you cut some of /that fruit you are bragging of. Tell the Governor to put up plenty of cider as I shall be a frequent visitor [ this summer] next winter. It is singular you have nothing to write. Of course I do not expect to hear important war news, but there is certainly something to write. How is your duck? How is my duck? How are the ducks generally? How are the male sex? Is anyone commit ting matrimony? &c. &c. etc. etc. Dou have any fun? Are any of our old friends in the army? Good Lord! if I were in there writing a letter to myself I could fill six sheets of foolscap. -- -
My case is different. I am the only person in the regiment & of course you are not particular about thare welfare. The war news you can learn much better from the papers than I can communicate.
As I have met with no important personal adventures lately, I must now close for want of matter to write.
Give my respects to your family and friends.
Hoping soon to hear from you.
I remain
Respectfully yours
D.R.P. Shoemaker
P.S. Your offer to pay the postage on this letter comes in quite con= venient, just now. I always manage to have a little loose change in my pocket, but just at this time there are no postage stamps in the place. And the Quarter Master is not authorised to take money, so I had to let him frank it.
Direct your letter thus
D.R.P. Shoemaker
Co. E. 11th Regiment
3rd Brigade O.V.I.
Raleigh C.H., Virginia
- David Shoemaker
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