Camp near Washington, June 11, 1865

We are still here in this camp, but most likely we will leave tomorrow or the next day for Louisville, Kentucky.

The 2nd Minnesota regiment is now in the 1st brigade, and also the 18th Regt., Kentucky, the 31st Regiment, Ohio, and the 33rd regiment of Missouri, so there are four regiments in the 1st brigade, and the commander for the 1st brigade is Col. Bishop.

Lt. Col. Ulein commands the 2nd Minnesota. Captain Scott commands one battalion of the 33rd regiment of Missouri, and B. Solvester commands company E of the 2nd Minnesota.

Corporal Knudson and Fredrik Olson are guards by brigade headquarters.

Eight recruits, that were in for a year, were discharged from company E today, and many in the other companies, and more in the regiment got their discharge.

The veterans and recruits and those drafted for three years, who went in in 1863 and 1864, have not had a chance yet to get discharged.

We are waiting and longing to see an order that we will be discharged, but we are waiting in vain.

We have not received our pay yet. I have not received any since August 1864. I don’t know if I will draw my pay before I get discharged or not. I still live in the hope that there will not be many more months in duty.

There has been a brigade settler store by our camp that was well supplied, but there are few soldiers who have any money, and last night the soldiers broke into the store and took all he had, so he left.

Nils Johnson and Hans Aastrom of company E wish to know if they are credited to Nicollet county, and what town. I think you can find out if you ask Barbrick, so let me know next time you write so I can let them know.

I mentioned in my last letter that I received the Norwegian letter. I have not answered it yet.

I am well and so are the others you know in company E.

We cannot complain that the days are bad, but we are wishing for freedom.

The 101 and 87th regiment of Indiana have not yet gotten their papers ready to go home. I hope they will in a short time, they could have been home two weeks ago if they had informed officers.

The soldiers’ daily talk is, home, home, and when?

Freedom is as dear as if we have been in slavery for three years. Many say, “all we ask for are the papers, the pay we will gladly give to the government if they would only let us go.” Often we hear that remark nowdays.

I have no more to write. Live well, is the wish of your friend, B. Olmanson.