Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to parents

Received their letter on New Years Day. "What a change there has been" in the past year. All of the commissioned officers who came with the company from Northampton are gone for one reason or another. Perhaps more importantly, "the old troops now in the field with whom we have lived and associated with for the past 18 months will take their leave and return to their peaceful firesides" soon. Soon he will be one of the veterans. "I dread [that] hour as much as anything I know of." Lieutenant Robinson is going to be promoted to captain of the company, "and no one will suit the company any better than he will." Will miss Captain Moody, who has been with the regiment since the beginning. Lieutenant Bradley will remain with the regiment and 1st Lieutenant Chalmers will join his company, "making us a full compliment of officers." A box arrived on January 1st containing a big Christmas dinner for the whole company. "Everything came in good condition, and we all had enough for a rousing big meal" that included turkeys, chickens, roast pork, boiled tongue, ham, mince pies, bread, butter, cheese, and pickles. Thanks the providers of the food very sincerely: "May they be richly rewarded." That dinner will "ever be a sunny spot in our memory and many will look back upon it in years to come as one of the pleasant times we had in the army." Sid jokingly ordered to eat one piece of every sort of food that was in the box. "Did not have much of any appetite for hardtack and pork" after such a great meal. When the afternoon rations were given out, no one rushed to them like usual. Based on his regiment's term of service, he only has 20 months more in the army. Although he enlisted on July 15th, 1862, the regiment was not officially mustered until September 4th, so the term of enlistment begins there. Is working as an orderly to the General Court Martial at the division headquarters. It is good because "it frees me from all duty in my company." No longer has guard or picket duty. This duty could last until the army moves on in the spring. Asks them to tell Billy Pomeroy to answer his letter. Also asks them to tell Johnny Douglas "that we don't forget him if we are away out here." Had another headache, which was unfortunate. Written at Camp Sedgwick.