crackers have nothing about them
very inviting to the taste. No one
would think of eating them un-
less they were hungry. Bakers crackers
are considered a luxury
compared with them. I had
just got to the farmhouse used
as a hospital the day of the
battle when Gen. McClellan
with his staff & escort rode by.
The door yard was full of
wounded but we gave him
9 hardy cheers, some of the
boys laying on their backs
& waving their caps. I cheered
with all my might 6 times
but broke down on the last 3.
He rode thru the yard & kept on
to the battleground. The fight
was about over when he got there.
I had a good view of him, it was
the first time I had ever seen
him. I am looking anxiously every

day for the great fight in front of
Richmond. I do wish I could be
there & march into the city with
the boys, but I suppose I must be
contented with my lot. I feel that
I have done my duty so far &
meet with the approbation of my officers.
One thing I regret I have never yet
fired a single shot at the rebels.
Fileclosers i.e. sergeants are not
allowed to fire when the others
do but are required to reserve their
fire for special occasions. Besides
we have enough to do in keep-
ing the men in place, but if ever
I have another chance I’ll fire one
shot at least at the cowardly scum.
My clothes are rather worn & rusty
but I prefer to wear my uniform
if it does not look quite so well
I wear hospital shirts & slippers.
I ought to have some new clothes
before I go back to the regt. & if we

could be paid here I would get me
some. I could get them new as cheap
as of the quartermaster and they would
be better especially shoes, stockings &c.
My hand is doing well. One side
has healed over. My arm don’t seem
to get along very fast, it has been
very sore for the last few days.
Dr. says the bone was splintered
a little. Nine have died since we
got here. Making 15 in all that
have died since we left White
House. My health is very good. I have
been out into the city once, have to
have a pass to go out, it is a very pretty
city. A lady was here yesterday and gave
me an invitation to go out to her
house in Whitneysville two miles from
here. She took a fancy to me because
I resembled a nephew of hers in
the navy. I have rec. several papers
from Doctor. I suppose he is busy with
his farm every spare moment. Warren
& Frederick are driving around no doubt
& Ella I suppose is all over the
house. I believe she could not go alone
when I saw her last. I would like
to step in unawares & spend a day
with you. Perhaps I will sometime
next fall. I am rather short just
now & a loan of 2 or 3 dollars would
be very acceptable. I hope we shall be
paid off here, but don’t know as we
shall. I have four months pay due me
now. I have not written to Mother
give my love to all & write soon.

Truly Yours Geo.S. Grove