Fort Jerico June 2, '63 Dear All, I sit cross legged in my hammock writing you, & as it here is quite a breeze blowing which not only fans me but also in a manner drives away the flies, I find myself pretty comfortable. Our excursion to Lake Drummond last Saturday passed off very pleasantly tho' I would hardly wish to repeat it. The trip over & back became very tedious. The distance is ten miles & the time each way is about - four hours - not any fast tracking. The party consisted of eleven officers. The mode of propelling the boat is rather peculiar - the power is two darkies. Two poles are fastened into the same side of the boat, near the ends & reach over the bank of the canal. The darkies sieze these poles, about breast high & walking along the bank apply the power & at the same time guides the boat. - one of my men who has made me a good deal of trouble lately has just returned from the sutlers somewhat " - set up -" & his noise has spoiled me for writing today. when you send the other shirt I wish you would send also a couple papers Black Pepper, a pound of black Tea, some of your nice Tomatoes, a bottle or two of Horse Raddish, sore Pickles, three tin boxes - with covers - that will hold about a pint for my sugar bowl milk pitcher & butter plate & one or two layer cans to keep tea coffee &c in. I'd ask you to send butter but t'would spoil before I recieved it. I would like some good vinegar if you can send. Please send in a good strong box about two feet long and I can use it as my mess box. Perhaps Geo. can find time to put on two strong hinges & a lock. Have it screwed or nailed down besides. If the hinges & lock are sent I can put them on - dont forget to send screws if so. I am going to Norfolk tomorrow to execute that plaguing Savings Bank Attorney. That will cost something & I am nearly out of money & dont want to go any way. Mother's and Ellen's letters of the 24th recd. I do hope Geo. will go to New Haven if he is - fully determined to stick to it. - I do believe we can manage our part but I dont feel able to advise in any money matters. I seem to have lost all ideas that way. Certainly uncle George's advice may be much better than mine but I think - uncle William's - advice may be a little interested since he must furnish part of the needful. Have heard nothing from Miss Greene yet. The bundle with mosquito bar &c does not make its appearance yet. when you send box please take a receipt & mail to me. very best love from Your afft son & bro Chas Have not had a line from Geo. for a long time. I send photograph of Capt. Bassett of the 15th Connt V. He is a real nice man. The 15th is Col. Upham's Regt. Have I written you that Col Beach has recommended a man for his major. Lt. Barnes of the 15th CV at present on Genl Harlands staff. He is a very capable fellow but I fear it will make trouble in the 16th promoting a Lieut. from the 15th over all their Capts. Lt. Col. Burnham preferred me - so says the General. I shant cry.