Departure

Jamaica & L.I.

Oct. 22 1861

Dear Family and Friends at Home;

I dare say you are looking for a letter from me. If you could know the medley and confusion and bustle of removing 1,000 men from one place to another—the breaking up, the excitement and trouble of transporting the troops, and the unsettled state of camp for two or three days, you wouldn’t wonder if I didn’t write.

Last week we were ordered to pack our knapsacks and be in readiness to form into line at two o’clock.  At the beat of the drum the tents all dropped with but a few exceptions through the Regiment. One minute all that could be seen was the tents, the next the field was a living mass of blue. The way that is done is by the pulling all but four pins beforehand. Then four men are stationed by these pins so that when the drum taps, down come the tents.

We marched directly to the boat, but our knapsacks felt like lead a long time before we got there. We stood it well enough, but felt a little sore afterwards. They won’t ever feel so heavy again. We started from Hartford at 4 o’clock. 7 Regiments went on the boat we were on. I found a chair soon and stuck to it until after dark so that I didn’t see anything down the river.

Our “old hoss” had 12 cars full to draw (700 men) (a little too much). When out 10 or 11 miles we were stopped and ordered off. We went a few rods from the tracks and stacked our Arms, then lazed the remaining part of the day and slept by ones arms through the night, I spread my Rubber coat down and lay down in my clothes and overcoat, pulling my cap over my head and spread my blanket over me. The night was warm but foggy. We all were warm enough. I can’t say that I slept first rate....

I like our Colonel better & better. He is very rigid—suits me, but some think it’s hard treatment. The major is a jolly fellow—jokes & likes to receive the same coin in return. 

When I hear any one talk as Jane did when she said she should rather bury a friend rather than that they should go into the Army, I am glad I have enlisted, that I have given up myself for my country and right....

Pray for us wherever we are

From your

Jay Nettleton