Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) to Sister Mamie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.18.05 Author/Creator: Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses his disappointment over Hooker's decision to attend a ball at the headquarters of General A. P. Howe. Provides a full description of a brigade dress-parade.
Charles C. Morey enlisted as a Corporal on 22 April 1861 (mustered into E Company on 20 June 1861), and was promoted to Full Sergeant on 10 February 1862. The following December he was promoted to Full Sergeant 1st Class and on 31 January 1864 reenlisted in the Union Army. He was promoted twice during 1864, first to Full Lieutenant 1st Class (20 June) and then to Full Captain (24 June 24-effective 31 January 1865). He was wounded in battle at Charles Town, West Virginia (21 August 1864), and killed at Petersburg, Virginia on 2 April 1865.
Camp 2nd Vt. Vols. June 4th 1863
Dear Sister Mamie
Yours of the [struck: 24th Ult.] 20th was received when due and read with much interest, was very glad to hear that you were getting along so well.
You will perceive a slight mistake at the commencement of this, but I hope you will excuse it. Last night there was a ball at Genl Howe's H. D. Q.rs and I understand that Genl Hooker was there. What a disgrace for a man holding the position that he does; to engage in anything of this kind, We never knew any thing of this character when Genl McClellan was in command of the army; he knew that it was no time nor place to engage in such pursuits, he thought it best to spend his time in watching the movements of the enemy and [2] doing something for the benefit of his army instead of seeking pleasure, and then again, he is not a man who seeks such kind of amusements. I think that this one act of Genl Hooker's will make him more unpopular with the men than almost any other act he could have performed here in the face of the enemy.
Thursday morn
Good morning my sister, how do you do? It is somewhat cloudy here and looks as though it might rain before night and I hope it will for it is very dry and terrible dusty.
On the 30th of last month I sent father $41.00 has he received it yet please let me know as soon as he does. There is no news of importance for me to write, but perhaps it will interesting for me describe a brigade [3] dress parade. In the first place the regiments are marched onto the ground and formed in division the colours in front and on a line, (there are six regiments in our brigade) The band takes its place on the right, the officer commanding takes his place about 50 paces in front of the centre of the brigade all being in readiness the band marches from right to left in front playing in common time and from left to right in quick time after which we are exercised in the ma[inserted:n]uel of arms then the adjutants of the regiments report after which the field officers gather on the centre march up to the commanding officer and salute him then we are marched to our quarters, thus ends the parade. We have just received orders to pack all but [4] we wish to carry but our tents so you see there is no certainty of our moving yet. I think that the general is expecting an attack, do not know.
My health is good, Please write soon and accept much love from your brother in the army.
Charles C. Morey
"Mamie"
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