Fort Richardson, Virginia
April 30th 1864
Dear little wife,
I will now pen a few lines hoping they will find you well for they leave me in good health and just as happy as one can be away from those they love. I have got all day today to write in for I come off of guard this morning after standing but twelve hours. It is just my luck to have plenty of time to play in now that you have gone home. Yesterday was Sunday and there was nothing to do and I was sent on guard at night to take the place of one of the corporals that put in arrest for not saluting Col. White so you see I have good times now that you are gone.
It makes me feel homesick now to look over towards Squire’s for it looks very much like home. But our regiment of smoked Yankees [Colored Troops] has gone off for the war so we can hear that splendid bugle no more. But there is more taking their places and if it is possible, they are blacker than the others and too lazy to play leap frog so there is no fun over there. But say, pet, wasn’t that bugle a good thing to go to bed with and to haul a fellow out with in the morning? Mrs. Bennet is here yet and likely to stay for she don’t [get] any better. Did I tell you that I saw Mrs. Ewen and Mrs. Benton a going to Washington when I went over after the hack? They were after whiskey. I hope, pet, that we shall soon meet again for I am only happy when with you, dear. When you write again, let me know as near as possible the cost of your visit to me for I want to know just for curiosity sake.
May 4th 1864
I will now finish this letter for it is time for it be on its way. There is one more regiment gone in today and it begins to look lively once more and the darkeys are getting quite thick and they are running around everywhere. We have full dress parade every night.
Give my love to all enquiring friends for it is all your own. Write soon, pet, for I am dying to hear from you. Good night, my pet.
From your devoted husband, — C. A. Chapman, Co. D, 1st C. V. A.
Spared & Shared 20 