Camp Forbes
Antietam Iron Works
October 5th 1862

My Dear Father & Mother,

Another Sunday has come and another week has gone by. Times passes swiftly away. It will be five weeks next Tuesday since we left Worcester and I have only bout two years, ten and half months longer to serve in the army. That don’t seem very long, does it?

Last Friday our Corps was reviewed by the President accompanied by Gen. Burnsides, Gen. McClellan and staff, and a score of spouters from the White House. Old Abe looks very much like other men except he is the sleepy giant looking man that his pictures represent him. He seemed greatly pleased with the looks of the troops.

Burnside is the dirtiest, reckless, most careless looking man I ever saw. He had a shocking black, old Kossuth hat pulled over his head and ears. He had huge side whiskers and mustache and an excellent set of pearly white teeth. His face—or the part of it not covered with hair and hat—was terribly tanned. He had an old blue nightgown on for a coat, and his pants were tucked into a pair of boots that were covered with patches. But he rode a splendid horse. Bully for him. He puts on no airs but looks worse than any private in the ranks. We’ll back him up wherever he goes.

McClellan is a young looking man with a full, round face with no whiskers, but a handsome mustache and imperial. His hair [was] neatly combed and he sported a fatigue cap with a light blue velvet band around it. His uniform was neat but not extravagant. His horse is the handsomest animal I ever put eyes on. The yells and cheers that the boys gave “Little Mac” as he passed were perfectly deafening.

We have been having very hot weather out here. In fact, I have seen no hotter in July. But last night a cold rain came along and it is quite comfortable today.

Yesterday, Burnside—who is always on the watch—discovered that the rebels had been throwing up earthworks on the other side of the river. Our batteries which are on a hill beside us, commenced shelling them. You would have laughed to see the rebs skedaddle and to see the shells drop amongst them. It was lucky that their plan was discovered for they would have shelled us out in no time with perfect ease.

I understand that the mail has arrived. I’ll write more when I get my letters and papers. I wonder if I’ve got any. — Charley

Eight o’clock P. M. The mail has just been distributed and I have got a letter but by gosh, it is an old one—the third you wrote dated September 21st. I see by it that there are a number of poor sick fellows in Clinton. I pity them. Did L. D. L. apply for a certificate? How long before they commenced drafting? The measles are very thick in camp. Have I ever had them?

I want mother to make me a red flannel bag about this style [sketch]

1 — the bag
2 — quilting filled with red pepper and spices
3 — the strings

The bag to be large enough to cover the bowels. It need not be very thick. It can be sent in a large envelope. An excellent thing to wear cold nights. It keeps a person warm and in good condition. There are a number of them in camp. They weigh but little and six or seven cents postage will carry them through.

By your letter I see that mother was sick. I hope she is better now. How is it? But the taps have beat and I must blow out my light. I am well and contented and hope I shall continue so, Hoping you are well, I remain with much love for you. — Charley

P. S. I shall certainly write to Jerome tomorrow. — C. H. H.