June 21 , 1862, in the swamp
If it were not for the mosquitos, and the swamp, and the rain, and the bad water, and the heat,and the occasional Yankee shell passing nearby, this camp would be first rate. We are in anticipation of the regiment moving to a more salubrious location before their big guns come up or the mosquitos get re-inforced.
Picket duty is peaceful as there is little shooting in our immediate area. We do hear from time to time the crack of musketry but nothing nearby. Even so, we must not let down our guard as our enemies, after all, are Yankees and they are a scheming, sneaky lot. At any moment, we may be overwhelmed by their numbers but as previously written here, if they cross the Chickahominy in this location, we shall give them a good drubbing as the swamp will make their crossing difficult.
The roster for sick call grows longer the longer we stay here. Surgeon Turnipseed is no longer with us. Surgeon Prioleau is his replacement. He seems a good man but he is outnumbered by his patients. The only good thing is that his charges are afflicted by agues and fluxes and not lead poisoning. We should leave this place to the Yankees and let them die.
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