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December 31, 1861 - Lyman B. Upham to Rufus R. Dawes

Part I - Click for full-sized scanned image Part II - Click for full-sized scanned image HEADQUARTERS SIXTH REGIMENT, WIS. VOLS. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, VA., Dec. 31st, 1861. Captain Dawes, — Dear Sir: — I take this early opportunity of writing to you, knowing that you will be glad to hear from your company. I will tell you how we got along since you left. You remember that Lieutenant Quaw was on court martial, and that Lieutenant Reader was to take the company out on battalion drill, the afternoon you left. Well, Reader was unable to go. So this deponent formed the company, and when drill time came, there was no one to take it out. At the drum call I marched the company out and formed them in battalion, anxiously hoping that some commissioned officer would come to my relief, and wishing that Marietta were in a hot place so that you could have remained with us. Well, Captain Brown took charge of 'K,' and I felt as though a mountain had been lifted from my shoulders. We had a good drill. 'K' never did better. 'K' came into camp in good season and fell in immediately for dress parade, Lieut. Serrill taking command. Thus ended our first day without our Captain. Two men remained in off dress parade, Simons and 'Dick.' They said you had excused them before you left, — a ? in my mind. This morning all was bustle, preparing for monthly inspection. I made out the roll of the company, took the muster roll to the Adjutant, prepared my own accoutrements, and was getting barbered when the drum beat. I left with my hair half combed and fell the company in. We were inspected by Captain Chandler. All the sons answered to their names, except Ralph Brown and A.G. Emmons. Even Hancock came up to be mustered. I am cross and ugly. I took two men to the officer of the guard to-day, for coming back to the company quarters when on guard duty. An imperative order to that effect was issued by the Colonel. Captain Brown says he wishes he had Company 'K.' They move so easily. Bully for Company 'K.' I will write again shortly, so as to keep you posted. I remain Yours truly, Lyman B. Upham. (To view the Source Category for Part I, click HERE) (To view the Source Category for Part II, click HERE)