Suffolk Christian Sun

February 14, 1862

Page 3

3^RD REG’T. N. C. VOLUNTEERS

(Camp Ruffin, Va.)

Feb. 4^th, 1862

Mr. Editor:-- For the last several days we have had cold rainy weather, indeed I have never before witnessed such an abundance of rain in the same length of time. The weather continues, also, very changeable, far more so than we have ever experienced in our section of North Carolina. We have February and May weather all jungled [sic]up together in this part of Old Virginia.

The question of reenlistment is beginning to be discussed among us of late, though I am not prepared, at present, to risk an opinion as to what will be the result. We have however heard not a few say, and with no little emphasis, at that, that when their present term of service expires, they are determined once more to grasp the hand of relatives, friends and “sweethearts” at home, before kissing the book again. This is a privilege which we deserve, and claim.

It would be doing the volunteers injustice to even hint that we are going to leave the fields for good, no such thought however entered our minds. If Lincoln, or any other would be Tyrant, ever predominates in Dixie’s Land, it will be after the volunteers, now in the field, shall be laid low in the soldiers grave. If coming generations are to clank their chains of despotism, as they now tread our now free and honored soil, it will be, not in our hearing but over our slumbering ashes.

These are the sentiments of our volunteers. We hear nothing interesting from any of the camps in this division of the Army. All seems to be quiet. We learn that the 14^th N. C. and Col. Pryor’s Va. Regiment are in a healthy condition.

The health of our regiment continues good. Very few in the hospital. All in good spirits.

Respectfully,

A REGULATOR

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]