Camp Oliver
                                                                                                                                            June 2, 1862

    Dear Father:

      As you see from the date of this we have again changed our quarters. We were recalled
    from the Red House and are now in camp just outside of Newbern. The pickets are nearly all
    drawn in, on what account I do not know.

      Captain Emery, our 2nd Lieutenant and Orderly Sergeant are sick so I am pretty busy just at
    present. It is awful hot here now, but we calculate to keep as cool as possible, I have an
    awning built in front of my tent and surrounded by shade trees, and we drill only in the cool of
    the day, so we get along pretty well. I hardly think if we have much to do here that the Captain
    will stand it as he is not very strong. I am as well as ever.

      We received papers of the 28th here by the last mail. The uprising of the Northern people
    after such a draft upon their energies is almost fabulous. Has Milford sent any more men? If
    you had been a military man, I should have almost expected to have seen your name as a
    Captain of a company. Things look as if we should not move again this summer. I hope we
    shall as most of us are 'spoiling for a fight' and want at least one more chance to pay our
    respects to the Rebels before the war is over.

    We are to have a grand review to-morrow at which we are to appear in great style -- white
    gloves and etc. The 25th has the right once more. But I must close. Remember me to all.

                                                                                                                              Yours truly,

                                                                                                                         William F. Draper
                                                                                                                          Lieut. Com'dg Co. B
                                                                                                                          Mass. Vols. 25th

                          
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 Camp Oliver, Newbern. Picture from 1863.