Union Mills, Virginia April 2, 1863

Dear Parents,

We are not having any drill this forenoon, but a game of ball instead. 'Tis said that the officers of the right wing are to be matched against those of the left, for an upper ten game, and the smaller fry match up to suit themselves. l have not had to do enough to injure me for the last two or three days, though I have nominally been at work for the captain on quarterly reports, etc., and have done jobs as fast as they have been furnished me. I didn't rob the calf, as you intimated, indeed we didn't have any calf sustainer's at the time you mentioned, and haven't had any for a long time, though we should be glad to get a little of it. We make "flap jacks" without milk in the following style: viz. Crumb up soft bread and soak it to a pulp, then stir in flour enough to make a batter of requisite consistency, grease the griddle with a bit of salt hog, bake quickly and eat hot. Oh, I forgot to tell you who wrote the pieces in the Journal signed "Ned". It is Ned Reed of Springfield.

I have just been out watching the officers' game of ball. There is a good deal of fun about it. The old colonel has one side, and the major the other. They had a good laugh a few moments ago, to see the colonel get out. The boys have just begun to come in from picket; had a very good time out, didn't see any Rebs on their side of the river, but thought they saw a few of them on the other, though I don't third they were very much frightened.

You mentioned something about the Chronicles. I am sorry but I am obliged in strict honesty to inform you that the enterprising genius that sent them to the B.F. Times first saw them in the Washington Chronicle, and merely revised the numbers so as to make them applicable to our case, though many of these imputed to the 16th are well deserved, and the rest they haven't had a chance to deserve yet. We have got a new 2nd Lieutenant in the shape of Sg't Major, late Orderly Fletcher. His appointment suits the boys. and officers first rate. Moses and Alfred have been over to Wolf Run Shoals to visit the 12th, 13th and 14th. They report all well and enjoying themselves over there. It is about six miles from here. The boys are beginning to catch fish in the larger streams, and if we stay here long I should not be surprised if we had some too. You said once that Mrs. Boynton took a great deal of interest in Ezra's welfare. I am glad for it because he's been sick again and he looks as if he ought to have somebody to feel an interest in him. Though I don't think I will have another box sent to me...as our wants are very few, our needs still fewer, and if we had anything we might lose it by moving any time...;though for naught I know we may stay here for some time. H. G. Day

---

Contributed by Linda M. Welch, Dartmouth College, Windsor County researcher.

Return to the Index of Hezron's letters..

See also Hezron's biography, and his memoir of the Gettysburg Campaign.