The Ed Italo Collection
11th Vermont Infantry (aka 1st Artillery, 11th Vermont Volunteers)
Correspondence
Head Quarters, first Brigade
defending Washington, north of the
Potomac. 11 Reg Vt. Vols. Fort Slocom
Dec. 5, 1862
Friend Hiram,
I recieved your letter of the 17th in
good time and was glad to hear from you.
My health is very good and I hope this
may find you enjoying the same.
We are situated about 5 miles from
the city of Washington. We are at work
building barracks. We have got it
nearly done. It snows here tonight.
It is about half rain. The ground is
all mud. I suppose you are going to school
now. You must tend to the school
marm this winter. I wish I was there to
go with you. We would have a good time.
Does Chandler go this winter? Elmer
goes I suppose, and Gilmore. Do you play
Ball any this winter? I remember how we
used to play. Does Varanca make you toe
the mark? What did you do Thanks-
giving? Is there any skating there yet?
We did not do any thing here
till evening. We had a dance in the
street. One of the men played on a fiddle.
We had potatoes and Beef steak for
dinner. The Boys are all pretty well.
We are making pipes and rings. Rice has
skedadled. He went away Saturday
and has not been seen since.
I guess we ain't any of us sorry.
I went out on Picket the other night.
Went out one night and come back the
next, but did not see any Rebels.
One man from a Company has to go out
every night.
I want you and Elmer to write me a
long letter. Write all the news
and every thing you can think of.
Write how you like the school &
what the boys are doing doen at the
Village. Tell Chandler to write to
me. I don't think of anymore to write.
This is mostly the time for roll call.
We have to all go out at 8 A.M. and
answer to our name and the same in
the evening. Give my best to all who
may enquire.
I still remain your friend,
H. Buxton.
