Camp McNeal
September 9th.62
Dear Kate,
Your last letter came to hand last night and right glad was I to hear from you as it had been some time since I had a letter from you. The boys are all well that came from our place and seem to be enjoying themselvs as well as could be expected from men that have left families at home. You wanted I should let you know all about what I was doing.
In the first place when we are in camp we are called up about sunrise, and then roll is called. Then eat breackfast which consists of soft bread and tea and coffee and boiled pork, that you know I eat a great deal of. Then comes batallion drill which lasts about 2 ½ hours. Then at eleven oclock comes squad drill. Then dinner, which consists of salt pork and fresh beef, boiled, and soft bread or noodles (?) and generally rice and beans, peas, and sometimes soup. At two, noncommishioned Officers drill. At four, battallion drill. At six, dress parade. Then comes super about like the rest. When on guard duty we are called out in the morning after breakfast.
If around the camp, we go on battallion drill. Then the drum beats and company that is detailed is fetched out and guard rounding gone through with, and we relieve those that were on the day before. The guard around this camp consists of one Lieut and Searg, three corporals, and 60 men. The Lieut is officer of the guard and has to see that the guard does their duty. The Segt sees that the guards are relieved. Every two hours the corporals take the relief around the camp. The seargt has his quarters at the guard house and has to see that every thing is keep in good order around the camp, that all disorderly persons are arrested , that none comes inside the lines that is not entitled to, and that the guard are turned out whenever any one of the field officers comes around, and various other things to numerous to mention.
I get very tired whenever I have to take charge of the guard but then I feel the best when there is something to do and you know that I came here to do my duty. I have gained severall pounds in weight since I came here. I think they do not use me very hard.
My love to all. Write as often as you get a chance, for I would like to hear every day. I have drawn $13.00 pay and if you want some let me know and I will send you some the next time I write to you, as much as you will knead.
I hope you will have a good visit. You must try and enjoy yourself first rate.
As ever, Your Bert
