May 2, 1862
Dear Father:
Yesterday I received two letters from you; one from Mother and one each from Ba and Mary Draper as well as others from a different part of the country.
I am now a First Lieutenant and also am again with my Company and Regiment so there will be no necessity of doing anything to give me that position. I hope you heard of it before writing to the Colonel. I knew that I should be promoted as soon as there was a vacancy as the Colonel told me so. I expect my commission will get here by the next boat.
By the way, Thomas Earle has got himself a commission and also into trouble. He, as you know, was a private in Company A wealthy but without much military capacity, so I am informed. A vacancy having occurred in his Company, a Sergeant was appointed Second Lieutenant and commenced acting as such giving up his warrant, purchasing a uniform and so forth. After a fortnight the commission arrived for Thomas Earle. I don't know what will be done about it, but think Early will be court-martialed and perhaps cashiered on account of certain statements made by him.
You say Captain Clark gave you his reason for coming home. From letters received in the Company, I should think there was considerable said on that subject in Milford. We are getting along very well with the Company. Everything goes along smoothly. The men are on guard every other day so we do not do much drilling. Captain Emery does not board with the Company, and only comes down here once or twice a day, so I have considerable to do when off guard. I like him very well as Captain, better than I expected. Sergeant McCarter makes a splendid officer, as I expected he would. Sergeant Holmes is Orderly. Guard duty continues as usual and I suppose we shall guard the city till an advance movement.
suppose you know or will know before you receive this the particulars of the capture of Fort Macon. These old forts are not good for much in these days of rifled cannon and iron-clad vessels. By the way, Fort Totten, an earthwork built to defend the city, is nearly finished and a large number of guns mounted. It was built by contrabands. You ask what has become of Arthur Johnson. I think he is well. The last time I saw him was just before the battle at Newbern. He was then in the best of spirits. I saw Mr. Gibson last night. He is teaming all round the country. I must close this letter in time for the mail. Remember that my address has changed. Love to all.
Yours truly,
William F. Draper
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