According to the microfilm file, Orin Buttles was a private originally in the 1st Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers and later transfered to the 26th Wisconsin. However, the letter, though not marked, gave possibility to be associated with the 26th. This letter gives useful information of the 11th Corps, it may be in dispute of its origin. Also, the letter is signed by someone else other than Orin Buttles, possibly a Meyer.
Stafford C. H. Va.
Apr. 6th, 63
Dear Fred
I suppose it is about
time to let you know that I am still thinking of my promise, writing a
few lines to you now and then. I might have done so before this, had I
only had some news or something worth writing. It is still the old camp
and the same life we have led for the last 3 months. We are all so tired
of this place that we would rather force our war through the fortifications
of Fredericksbug than to stay here much longer.
What shall become of
us, God only knows, there is any amount of what we call "Camp rumor" amongst
the boys, but nothing certain. The best is, that Maj. Gen. C. Schurz has
received a command under Burnside in Kentucky, and that he has applied
to the Sec. of War to take our Reg., of which he really thinks a great
deal, with him. Others say that Schurz has been appointed Military Governor
for the District of Columbia and that our whole corps is to be sent to
Washington Forts. I do not care what will be our next place, only a change.
The weather is such that a move would be still a risk, from night before
last (Saturday) {till ?} 12, it snowed like it used to do in Wis., so that
the ground is covered with some 5 inches of snow, the sun is out shining
to day, and will soon turn it into mud. Last week we have had a grand review
fore our new Commander M. G. Howard, a pretty good looking fellow with
his right arm shot off. Gen. Sigel has left us and the general opinion
of the soldiers is not in his favor.
We receive very little news form the western part of the W. S. or
even the peaceful northern states. It seems that papers are {silerter ?}
for the use of the army. We should very much like to know the progress
of our forces around Vicksburg. All we know has been done 3 weeks ago.
What about Copperheadism in the town of {Hien ?}? I think that those varmints
are growing plenty in that part of the world, sorry for it, but if our
Reg. Or the 5th were ordered to go up there and down them, you could be
sure there would be no playing. I really hope that some great battle and
victory on our side will turn the thing upside down for these will be the
best and only remedy for this foul and disgraceful disease which seems
to have spread over and considerable portion of our northern states. This
next summer will and must put an end to the ware and as things look as
present there as hope that it will be greatly in our favor. The spirit
of the Army is very good and I have no doubt that it will be kept up.
I received a note from
a friend {Herlione ?}, and send answer to him about a week ago. Enclosed
I send a piece of {secesh ?} bone which I worked into a ring as good as
the poor tools will allow, which you will please have to {Anson ?}. Your
pipe I supposed you have received by this time.
Let me know how fishing is going this season and how other sport
is getting on. As soon as I have some interesting news to relate, I shall
certainly write.
Give my best respects
to Anson and Family , Mrs. Junison and your parents.
Your friend,
B. Meyer .
