Camp Draper Near Washington DC
Head Quarters Company E 2nd Regt
May 26th, 1861
E Penny
I wrote to you last week and have not received any answer yet, we are now encamped about 2 miles from Washinton and we receive our meals three times a day We left Washington city last Friday, we are on a branch of the Potamac River and about 40 Rods from Maryland, the camp was in a great excitement last night and we were called to arms, it was caused by the U.S. Troops nearing our camp on the way to Guard a bridge about 1/2 mile before our camp, nearly all of the soldiers are well we live on Smoked Bacon and crackers with coffee twice a day, I was never healthier or felt better than I do now we have to turn out of bed at 4 1/2 OC and turn in at 10 OC. I wrote to archy the same day that I worte to you and have received as good an answer as you sent me if you do not answer this I shall not write again.
Yours Alfred C. Penny
Comp E 2nd Regt. NYSM
Near Washington DC