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Entrenched Camp, Ala. V. C.
near Norfolk Va
June 26th /61
Miss Mollie L. Mitchell
"alias"
Dear Mollie
Now you will be surprised
when you receive this letter; I hope though and
trust that it will prove equally as welcome as surpris-
ing; I can not though promise you, or flatter myself
that it will be welcomed from its interestingness, for to
write a letter of interest out of nothing, is an impossibility,
at least with me. We see nothing and hear nothing
but the continued rattling of drums. confined as
we are strictly to our "camp bounds", under the most rigid
discipline. We take it by turns in going to Norfolk, alpha-
betically, three from each company is allowed to go each
day and even then. Negro [liks ?] must carry a pass with
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us. Life has become almost unendurable. all is mo-
notany and dullness - All the plays of boyhood have
been introduced into camp, to wear away the heavy
dragging hours, and now, that they have been exhausted
and "played out", we are compelled to lie in our Tents,
amusing ourselves, reading and sleeping. We have
evening and morning drills, and I am proud
that I can say the 3d Ala is second to no
Regiment in the Service. The ladies of Norfolk
make us daily visits, and many are the [illegible]
passed upon us - they pronounce us perfect.
I deem it unneccessary to say any thing in regard
to our Situation and position, as you have doubt-
less learned all about it through the press, and
if I were to give you a description 'twould be a
mere rehash of what you already know.
We are the most anxious set of "fellows" to get
back home immaginable; completely worn out as
we are doing nothing. If our enemies would
come upon us we would feel perfectly satisfied.
We feel and know our ability to give them a
genteel Southern thrashing - a warm and
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very marked reception awaits them, whenever it
is their pleasure to come. Our entrenchment &
breastworks is about completed; it is strong
and formidable, and their fury will fall
against it as harmless as the gentle snow drops
from heaven. Rest assured that when the tidings
reaches you, that the 3d Ala Regiment has had
an engagement, you will hear they have achiev-
ed a most glorious victory. So far God has
signally been on our side, acheiving us victories
almost unprecedented in the annals of history.
There is some sickness in Camp, though not I
beleive of a dangerous nature. Three deaths
has occured in our Regiment since we have
been here, which is but small considering the
numbers, and the many privations and hard-
ships, as well as exposure under which we are
and have been laboring. Your brother "Phil" in
company with Tobe Reed, Bennie Fitzpatrick, and
Mr. Littlepage, arrived here three days ago, (also
Ed Hearts) in fine spirits, and apparently eager
to wade into the anatomy of a Yankee. We
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were all glad to see them. I intended going
out to see you before leaving home, but I had
so much to do and so little time to accomplish
it in, that I found it impossible to do so.
I trust you will "take the will for the deed."
I would write more but I fear it will prove
too uninteresting to read. and might prove
a heavy tax upon your patience. If you will
do me the pleasure, to answer this, I can judge
whether or not my letter was welcomed; and
in my next I will write you a good long let-
ter. Hear is "Phil" now, he comes to make me
a visit - his appearance is decidedly that
of a soldier - a red turban cap on, and a
pipe in his mouth. Six weeks I think will
decide whether or not we will have a fight.
"The Lord of hosts is with us, and the god of
Jacob is our refuge"
May the fond remembrance of me
Awaken one sweet thought from thee
Goodbye thou first and last one
Sincerely Yours
John P. Elsberry
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[written sideways at left edge of page 1]
Address Care
Capt. F. W. [Hesenter ?]
Metropolitan Guards
3d Reg Ala V. C.
Norfolk, Va.
How is the widdow.
Fitzpatrick Mitchell Williamson Papers
