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Intrenched Camp
August 18th 1861
Dear Cousin Lou
I had begun
to doubt the coming of your letter
before it came but better late than
never. you may be assured I was very glad
to receive it when it did come
and as I have a good opportunity
to send it I will answer it
immediately although there is no
news of any importance here
There is almost a perpetual
dull monotony in camp here
and I can not get out of camps
to remedy it and that is the worst
of it and the worst of all our
Captain & Lieutenants have resigned
and we will have to elect new
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officers entirely I am very sorry
of [too ?] because we had a most
splendid set of officers. I think
Henry C. Semple of Montgomery will
be Captain. We will elect Lieuts
out of the Company. I have been
doing my best to get Cousin Phil
to run for an office I hope he
will run and get one he would
make a splendid officer I ex-
pect that Toby Cobb will be elected
to some office. I wish the war
would break up or something
would take place so that I could be
at home on the tenth of September
I wish that there would not be
any September this year so that
we could retain you within the single
folks society. I dont see myself
how we can well do without you
I am going to get [tin ?] pan hot
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with Dr Williamson any how
There is no news of any battles
nor do I hope that there will be
any more I hope we all will be
home by Christmas any how. There
was an election of Regimental
officers yesterday. C. Forsyth was
elected Maj. and Lieut Hill of the
Wetumpka Light Guards was
appointed Adjutant. I would like
to be at home to get some of the
nice fruit I have not had ten peaches
since I have been here There has
been some very nice water melons
here and that is the only fruit
we have had. Billy George [Messurether ?]
left camp this morning for home
He wasn't very sorry to get off
to go home and see that little
duck of his. [Nic ?] Barnette has taken
his place He did not think that
they would take him at first
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We have had an addition to our
mess. Phil Townsend and Mr. Zimmerman.
They had a nego boy that saves
us the expense of hiring a cook
Cousin Phil & Cousin Toby are
getting on splendid Cousin Phil
& Mr Littlepage went to a party
the other night They say that they
had a splend time got acquainted
with some pretty girls. I have
not spoken to a lady since I
have been in Virginia. It is
getting late so I must close
Cousin Phil and Fob join me in
love to all Give my love to Papa
and Mama and all the relations
Tell Joe I will answer his letter
soon. I remain as ever your
most affectionate Cousin
Ben Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick Mitchell Williamson Papers
