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[Different handwriting on top]
No 227
Mailed P. Royal March 24
Recd Mch 31

[Letter]
Out Post Pickett
N Cam [?] Jacksonville, Fla.
March 15. 1864

Dear Father
Again I am on picket. This is the 3d day and it has been a pretty tedious tour of duty.
Hope to be relieved this evening.

These boys are so fond of firing at shadows, etc., that it keeps the officer of picket pretty
nearly all the time running. This is their only fault, if it can be called a fault. No man,
nothing moving can pass their line. It is a "Halt" (sharp and loud) if not obeyed, "click,
click" "ban."

Why in going around at night to visit the line I have to be very careful-keep my ears
wide open, and when ordered to "Halt" I have to halt at once. Tis dangerous-even to
take one step after ordered to "Halt."

During the three days out here I have occupied my leisure time in reading "Cudjo Cave,"
the book which you sent. I was very much interested indeed in the story.

I have been luxuriating in many good things since the barrel came. It came along in just
the right time. Have not yet risked my self inside of white sheets. We are too near the
enemy, but they are carefully laid away in my trunk, and as soon as we get settled in
some permanent camp then I shall use them. Our men sleep with equipment all on &
guns by the side.

I have not Slept one night with clothes off since we left Hilton Head Feby 6.

I wrote a hasty line to you just before leaving our camp for picket duty-I think I spoke
of an article published in the New Bedford Mercury-Feby 26-about the first landg of
the expedition in Jacksonville. I thought you might possibly get a copy by sending for it,
to cut article out for your Scrap book.

I forgot to mention how glad was I for the blank books-they will come handy I assure
you.

Have just happened to think of mother's request. I must look about here and see if I can
find any flowers or leaves to send. Will go now before I seal this letter.









Am very well-Cold is very much better.

Love to all at home
Your Aff c Son
C.M. Duren
Lieut. [Lieutenant] 54th M.V.


Transcribed by Nicole J. Milano, University of Florida, 2008.