Joseph E. Shaw Collection: Letter #33
Donated By Robert Gritman
Camp Kearny
Harrison Landing James River
August 1, 1862
Mr. E. Shaw
Sir
Having seen a letter you sent F. Gregory (F. Gregory was Francis Gregory Private Co. F 38 New Jersey Infantry) respecting the cloths and other effects belonging to your Brother Joseph. I have made all inquiry and I fear they are all lost upon our last retreat from before Richmond. And his descriptive list I cannot get as there is some clothing accounts to deduct and the books are back at Alexandria. But what little there is coming to him cannot be more than 2 months pay due as we were all payed (paid) before Richmond. The best way for you would be to write to the War Department at Washington D.C. or leave it until the Regt. is mustered out of service in June next and then I may be able to assist you. I would like to be able to do you more service but I can’t.
Poor Gregory is very bad and the other day he was not expected to live but he is better now. Bad news about Isaac Lockwood (Sergt. Co. F 38 New York Infantry) whom he knocked down.
Does the Engineers Corps still exist with you in Carmel. I suppose you still hold the same rank.
I shall be very glad to join you again when I return to Old Carmel. Give my kind respects to Mr. J. Smalley and inform him that I saw Henry Griffin the other day and he was very sick he also expected a furlough for a few days to visit Carmel.
With these few remarks I hope they may find you all in good health as this leaves me at the present time of writing. If you see Ike tell him he had better not boast to (too) much for I may come up with a file of iron and bring him by the bayonet point but I guess they will not trust me that responsibility.
My respects to you and Agustavis your brother.
No more at present.
From Yours
Ever Respectful
W. Morris
Sergt. W. Norris
Co. F 38 Regt. N.Y. Vols
Washington
D.C.