Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to Parents

"This week chronicles a new era in my army life." "Rejoiced" to hear the box with his boots is on its way. Thinks the shoemaker purposely delayed the making of his boots. It is ridiculous that he had to go all the way to Boston to find leather. "We had a chapel built and we have prayer meetings 3 evenings of the week, a bible class Sunday forenoon and preaching in the afternoon." Has gone to some of the prayer sessions, but does not want to go today because he has guard duty tonight. Weather has been very cold for a week now. Has been writing with ink all winter, but they have not mentioned noticing any difference. Likes a pen "better than ever." Does not want to run out of tobacco while out at camp. "It is a certain sure thing that this Army won't take" Richmond, "not on this road." Thinks General Butler would be a good man for the job. The problem with Butler is that the Confederates hate him and will not do any prisoner trades with him. They are mistaken; his term of service ends September 4, 1865 not August 13. The difference is small though and therefore unimportant. Will send them more pictures soon. "Sid says he has not heard anything about a furlough." Colonel Parsons has "done enough to redeem his character." Is not surprised Stone has yet again failed in business. Apologizes for stressing so much over the box with his boots in it. Knows that they think of him and imagine how he is doing a lot, but wonders if they ever manage to "see us in moments of pleasure, moments when we in some degree for the time being forget our isolation from our homes." There are indeed times when they "joke and jest." Would like it very much if they thought of him as enjoying himself sometimes. Will "return to enjoy many more happy hours at home," but is not miserable in the meanwhile. Believes that he is not dead yet partially because "I just made up my mind to live." Has trouble writing short letters. Hopefully will have more pictures to send home before long. A brass band showed up a week ago to be the brigade's band. Unfortunately, the band's leader died last night of diphtheria. The 10th regiment made a sword presentation to General Eustis on Friday. Eustis's headquarters is quite close to his camp. It consists of a series of "large tents and log houses enclosed by a neat fence made of pine boughs woven together." Sends his love to his aunts. Written at Camp Sedgwick.