1862 March 28

[letter of Hiram Cash begun on the 27th continues]

March 28

I received a letter from you last night and was very glad to hear
from you. I like to hear from home I thereby learn how things are
going on at home I think of home very often especially twords
night I was very glad to learn that Cyrus Strout was getting
better and was likely to get well again when he gets home tell
him if he is able to write to me About the town meeting I have
nothing to say In the review I have spoke about in this letter
they were to a stand to know which was the best division &
Gen McLellan thought Gen. Franklins was the best but Gen
Mac McDowell thought Gen Kings was the best saw so yesterday
these two divisions were called out for a test review each one
tried to do their best and Gen. Franklin's division was declared
the best to this division we belong and to Cap all Gen. McLellan
publicly declared the Me. fifth Regt. to be the best drilled, the best
appearing and was the best Regt. in the whole of McDowells
command, our Brigadier Gen. Slocum sent one of his ades to our
Col. to halt his Regt. after we had started for camp we stoped,
formed a square and Gen. Slocum rode inside and told us what
McLellan as well as McDowell and all of the best judges and spectators
had said about us he said he was willing to own it was the best Regt in
his brigade he also thought McLellan's words were true that it was the
best in McDowells command of between 40,000 & 50,000 men. I have got
six stamps that you sent me you need not send any more at present we expect to
be paid off soon if we stay here this week I think we shall. I have no more to write so
I will close From you son Hiram M. Cash

[upside down in the top margin]
I was glad to hear from Walter that he was doing so well. Tell him I shall
come home when there is no more rebels to fight I think this will be in a few months
what did Walter say about his book Hiram

[soldier in the 5th Maine]

MSS 12916