13^th Reg^t Mass Vol Camp near Warrenton

July 15^th 1862

 

Dear Father.

                                                I received your welcome letter this evening, and thought I would answer it immediately. I will first inform you about our last march. On the 4^th of July early in the morning, we received orders to march for Warrenton.

 

We started about ten OClock, and it being very warm we did not reach our destination until late in the afternoon. We stopped at Cedar Run about half way.

 

After taking a bath, and making my supper (coffee, hard bread, salt pork) I laid down and was soon asleep. We started early next morning for Warrenton, and encamped about half a mile this side of the town. That is the way I spent the 4^th this year and I shall always remember / it. I wonder if we will be on the march next 4^th. This is a beautiful country Country here and if you would like to pick blackberries, you ought to come out here. I never saw berries so thick and plenty as they are out here. We go black berrying most every day. When we first came here we had as many cherries as we wanted, but it is rather late for them now. I have not been to town as yet, but they say that it is a very pretty place. It contains about 3000 inhabitants, but most all of the able men have gone to the war. Most of those left are strong Secesh. My birthday passed and I wished I was at home at least for that day. Do you think that they will have to draft in order to raise troops?

 

I am very glad that you are going to send me mothers picture and I hope it / will be a good one.

 

Give my best respects to Mr Brown the next time you see him.

 

I am glad that you are going down East, and you must remember me to all the folks, although I do not know them by sight. Remember me to Grandfather, and Grandmother, and I hope Grandfather will have a good time. By the way you know that we are under Gen^l Pope. He is concentrating his force surrounding around here preparatory to making a move. Banks force is the other side of the town.

 

I wish you would get me a blue flannel shirt, and one pair of stockings, one handkerchief, and anything eatable that will keep. Cant you send me a little Shaker Upper Sauce too.

 

Please send it by Adams Express 

to Cha^s E. Leland Co B 13^th Regt Mass Vol Alexandria Va care Walter Chase sutler 13^th Mass Vol. Mr Chase brings them from Alexandria and they get through in from two to three days.

 

With much love to Mother, Henry, Ada I am your affectionate son

Cha^s E. Leland

 

Write soon and oblige.

 

You remember that fork I carried from home wh with me. I have kept it ever since and intend to until the end of the war.

 

Ps. There is one thing I need and that is a good large rubber blanket. I would like to have the color black. I want it as thick as the army rubber blankets. Mr Foster will tell you how thick I want it.

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