Levings, Edwin D

May 29th, 1865 - Washington D.C

Dear Parents,

It has been some time since my last letter, but so much has transpired that
I did not have the time. You are doubtless wondering when we are to come home. As
yet there is but one order from the War Department mustering out and discharging
troops, and that applies to those only whose terms of service expired prior to
October 1st, 1865. Our impatience to know what the War Department has in mind for us
has been great, but we are content to wait until it shall be their pleasure to
inform us. With so many troops to be discharged, there are many minute matters to be
looked after, requiring much time. If they will simply pay and discharge us, I will
abide their time, be it weeks or months.
Well, the Big Grand Reviews are over, and never was Washington in such a
merry or receptive mood. The Army of the Potomac past and reviewed the day before
us, on the 23rd. We were fortunate and got a chance to see them and they presented a
grand site -- all had new uniforms, polished brass on their accoutrements, guns
shining brightly and most all wore white gloves. In precession, they marched down
Pennsylvania Avenue --their not commissioned officers wearing sabers and their band
gaily decked out in splendid uniforms with bearskin hats. Next day was our day to
perform and what a comparison it was to be. We were to march is we always did -- no
pomp and ceremony for us. Some of the boys were issued new pants and we did the best
to shine our battle-scarred guns, clothing and what little brass there was left
among us. Homer and I spent considerable time washing and fixing our steeds -- at
least we could do that much. That day we all fell in, and it seemed the minute the
order was given, our boys took on an appearance of glory and holiness, and they
marched, oh, how they marched, never before did they stride like that. Just imagine
the scene, Mother and Father, if you can! Men marching in their old worn out
uniforms, some with new pants that stood out like soar thumbs, scuffed shoes, and
guns seeming to speak out "we have seen better days," our flags tattered and worn,
and all along the way, crowds upon crowds of people, cheering so loudly they
deafened our ears. Down Pennsylvania Avenue we proceeded, and I fancy to myself a
"little Napoleon" on my horse -- and she lived up to qualifications by prancing as
to she had been trained purposely for this type of duty and performance. Homer look
like a Roman soldier upon his stallion, presenting himself in the best fashion to
the onlookers. General Sherman headed the column, followed by General Logan, and
each Brigade, headed by its own General and staff. We were up front of our brigade
with General Leggett. How proud we were. The color bearers carried the flags that
told our conflicts with the enemy. As we passed the reviewing stand, all eyes went
right, and the boys did right shoulder arms in perfect timing. President Johnson
with his government officials, some foreign affairs and General Grant stood up and
cheered us as we passed. I thought we would all loose some more buttons for our
chests swelled up and our hearts throbbed. On we marched in back to Crystals
Springs. Not one minute of the march did we think how hungry we were and that are
breakfast had only been hardtack and coffee this morning. The moments of that day
will long linger in the memories of our boys -- though they looked like a lot of
Bummers, they did not feel it in the least, and I feel sure the people appreciated
them all the more for it. They know we have not had an easy time of it during this
conflict, and are aware of it more now.
We do not live too well since we came to Washington. Homer says to tell you
if they don't pay as soon there is apt to be some forging going on right here in our
nation's capital, for the boys cannot live without eating.
Hold on -- there is an order this morning stopping the muster out of our
troops in the District, and it is said we shall proceed as organizations to our
respective states, there to complete the work. There are good reasons for it. The
boys, many of them, behave rather badly, and there is no doubt that if paid off here
and let loose, many would lose all their money, and many would never get home. By
the way, the western boys do not hitch well with the Potomac chaps. Washington is in
more danger to today than when defended by McClellan's troops. I do not mean to say
our soldiers are deficient in good morals generally, but simply to say that in the
presence of so many troops of all characters, the elements are stronger, and that
society is much disturbed. I have not been down town to see any sites. As it has
been, and is, I am on duty to hours in every eighteen and we are camped 4 miles
north of town. As soon as I can, though, I mean to get down to see some of the
things of interest. It was impossible to see anything the days of the 23rd and 24th
even if we had the time. We were fortunate that General Leggett had the curiosity
the day the Potomac boys marched for we would not have had the chance to see them
otherwise. Can't tell you anymore about our muster out and I must go to my duty.
Until next time.
I am your son,

Edwin