Camp Lee near

Rappahannock River

April 8^th 1862

 

My dear Mama

                        Here I am, just about to move again though, but where I dont know. The Regiment goes to night to a point between Culpepper CH & Orange C.H. from there we take rations and start for—no one knows. I think Richmond or Fredericksburg. I am left behind at a Mr Beckhams house where I have been sick for two or three days, but start early tomorrow for the Reg^t as I think there is a prospect of a fight and even sick would / not like to be absent. I last wrote from Warrenton Junction. Since then we have had some lively times. balls have flown beyond us, and shells wistled above. Yankees constantly in sight sometimes chasing us, at other times, nice. since the other day our Reg^t took 26 prisoners, amongst them a major two Capts, Lieuts &c in proportion. Tell Papa Jack (dog) has behaved very well on one or two occasions he goes out on scouts with us and the whole Reg^t is very much attached to him. Once, however a shot wistled near him, which caused his tail to drop & him to retreat rapidly out of range. he / barks at them however. Johnny is here. I have seen him quite often. dont know whether he moves or not as I have not seen him since the order has reached me to move. Your letter written from Norfolk April 1^st has reached me safely. The reports of fighting at Yorktown & Norfolk have reached us, also glorious news from Tennessee.

 

            Smith I am glad to hear has got his appointment, wished he could have remained up in this part of the world & have [?] and Papa fighting on old Va soil. Am glad to hear you are at last fixed thats what you ought to have / done one year ago. now perhaps you are shaking again. The letter you gave me for Mr Fitz I had no chance to deliver, will burn it. Where is Uncle Murray. Please tell him I have Henry, his horse, service pistol gun & blankets that I rescued from Warrenton. If he does^nt want Henry I can keep him. he cooks for my mess and drives my carriage. did I tell you I had bought me a nice little two horse one, carries my private traps around and I sleep in it at night.

 

The Yankees are at Warrenton now & the junction.

 

Give my best love to Aunt [?] & family. I dont where to tell you to write. You had better

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[overwritten]

 

wait until you hear from me again for I have not the slightest idea where I shall go now.

 

Best love to pa and all with you

Your affect son

Fitz

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