Camp near Bell Plain

March 19^th 1863

 

Dear Father.

                                    I received your welcome letter two days ago, and was very glad to hear from you, and to th hear that all are well at home.

 

We are living high at the present time, and I weigh only one hundred and fifty five pounds. I expect as soon as pleasant and settled weather makes its appearance, that we will be on the move again in the direction of Johnny, wherever he may be and I hope that we will drive them towards there capitol, as fast as they did us at Bull Run towards Washington 

 

We heard cannonading yesterday and suppose that our forces were engaged at Warrenton or there abouts. Lieut Gower is at home on a furlough, and you I presume have seen him.

 

I received a letter from George W. and shall answer it soon.

 

If you should want a recomendation from me, in order to get me a commission (that is if there is any show to get a commission) write me and I will get one for you.

 

I understand that George is a going to get a commission at Fort Warren, I wish him success. Remember me to him when you write

 

I thought Uncle John would / eventually go back on his old trade, and I guess he can do better than at his new.

 

I am glad to hear of the welfare of friends up country, but am sorry to hear of Uncle Willards sickness. Perhaps you will remember of my writing at the time of his enlisting, and that I thought he was foolish. However what would he do if he had my sentence of 16 months more instead of five or six months.

 

I hope he is not dangerously ill, as the hospital isent the best place in the world for a soldier.

 

I wonder if Fred is getting along well in way down South.

 

I presume business is the same as ever as regards your the business line. I suppose you Bostonians will / startled at some stirring news from the army of the Potomac. I think if Hooker once gets the Johnny's running, that he will push them instead of waiting until they reinforce and fortify "a la cautious".

 

There is no more news at present and hoping that this will find itself welcome at home, with love to Mother Henry and kisses to sister Ada I am ever your affectionate Son

Cha^s E. Leland

 

Remember me to Uncle Henry Aunt Kate and all my Walpole friends.

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