Dear Brother Frank,

It is about a week since I have written to any of you and though I have no letters to answer think I had better write. I am now inside the fortifications under the protection of Uncle Sams old 36 [ponders]. Last Saturday our brigade went out on 6 day picket taking our shelter tents and such other things as they would want. I war sick and unable to go so I had to stay in camp. Some other sick ones. I had an attack of bloody dysentery with fever and was unable to sit up or eat anything scarcely for four days. Tuesday I was a little better and yesterday marching orders came again.

The regiments on picket were ordered to send their knapsacks back to camp and move forward when they where. In camp we packed up everything that was left and the teams brought it all in here so that our camp is entirely broken up again. It commenced raining when we left camp and keeps on with increasing severity a harder storm than we have had in a long time. We had the officers tents with us and put them up. We are right in the mud but are quite comfortable all things considered. I managed to get a hospital bunk for a bed and slept good though I felt about tired out and was afraid that I should be down sick by today but I feel better and guess I’ll get along.

As near as I can find out, this is a forward movement of the whole army here. And if this storm don’t prevent there will probably be some fighting pretty soon. We heard a few guns yesterday afternoon at the front. There are two of Co. F here beside myself.

I am sorry that I am obliged to tell you every time I write that I am sick. Its evident that this climate or something else don’t suit me. I feat I ain’t going to be worth much more for a soldier. I suppose there is no danger of your being drafted. I hope not for you would not be able to endure but a small part of what soldiers have to put up with. I don’t suppose I shall get any more letters until I join the regt. Again unless they are sent in. Tell Mother that I have received the baking powder that she sent.

Direct when you write to the regt. the same as usual. I don’t think of anything more of importance to write. I hope to hear from you soon. Love to all.

Truly your brother,
Chauncy H. Peck

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