cams_OAyers_b12_F006_008_004

We must certainly never come with
the anticipation of passing through this
war without seeing one great battle
if we do we shall be disappointed and by
no fault of ours, for were the vote taken today all
the old members of our reg [regiment] would vote to
go to the immediate front but we are not today
as well prepared for this place as we were
eight months ago Now we are filled up
with Seven and eight hundred dollar men
who would many of them not be worth so many
cents, in any place where men were wanted
I think the government has been teribly [terribly] cheated in
many respects in the men she has purchased
They count one on the State quota and no where
else in creation could many of them constitute
the numeral one (I will except at rations)
for they are always there, and on the sick report)
Well I must close Water my horse get my dinner
and get ready for duty This afternoon for I am
sure to have to to go. I notice all your letters come
directed to the care of Capt Adams He is no longer captain
of our Co [company] but a Major in the 5 Mass [Massachusetts] (Colord) [Colored] Capt Stone is
now Capt of our Co [company] and the best we had by
far Our former Capt was execrated by all of his Co [company]
before he left on act of his infamous conduct towards
his men It is unnecessary to direct to the care of
any one but if any one Capt Stone would be
the one I remain as ever Sincerely

Yours

O Ayer