Adjutant’s Office 20th Maine Vols
Camp at Three Mile Station, Va.
My Dear N.
I have had a rich feast this evening in [illegible] “No 38” – I assume far. You thought you had “tried my patience” – why no! Not by [illegible] letter each – and certainly not in this case. I am so glad to learn of your good health and of those also at home! (Then it seems that you have found art after 3 years in College that you have got two “tremendous” obstacles to overcome viz “thickness of shall” & “natural stupidity” but it is something, you know, to know what we have to contend with in order that we may prepare ourselves for the conflict.) Wonder if you are the only person to trouble with such? In Maine? Guess you would not think so if you could see some of our Officers (excuses for Officers) on drill even after being in the service for over a year. […]
Holman Melcher to his brother, Nathaniel Melcher [Holman Melcher Papers]