Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to Parents

Time is flying by. Will be home in just over 16 months. Expects the next 4 months of battles will "till loudly on our regiment." They have often been part of the reserves in a battle, and therefore expects to be put in the front line more often this year. Used to feel lucky when put in reserve, but no longer feels that way. More troops arrive at the camp every day. "We shall have an army here over 160,000 strong." Butler is moving up the Peninsula. Burnside is moving to Goldsboro to cut the railroad lines. Grant will move to take Richmond by the most direct route, while the other two armies encircle the city. General Sigel will operate in western Virginia. "I presume something will turn up to kick over this grand scheme." Got a new inkwell thanks to Edward Bridgman. Had to bury Henry Leonard at camp; "it was no very pleasant work for me." "He was a great boy and all who knew him liked him. He was ever cheerful and happy as one can be in this work, always ready to do his duty without a murmur." Would love to be home to eat some of the peas they have planted. "I shall vote for little Mac next fall if I can vote, for he may not be in as a candidate but I would much sooner see him our next president than the one we now have." Thinks Grant would make a good president. Any soldier who criticizes the president, cabinet, or any other part of the government with respect to the war will be shot or court martialed, so he may not be allowed to vote against Lincoln. Someone who just blindly accepts what he is heard, however, "has no mind of his own and therefore is no great use to himself or anyone else." Loves to read their letters because "it reminds me often of times long ago past and gone." Got his mother's letter recently. Hopes her eyes are doing well and it was not too hard to write it. "It is about as easy for me to write as to talk." She should never write to him if it means hurting her eyes. About 35 men were detailed for provost guard duty. Their job on the march will be to pick up stragglers and guard the prisoners. They are put in the rear of the lines. Likes his officers at the provost guard very much.