Washington D.C.                   

September 5^th 1862

 

Dear Father

                        I got back to this place day before yesterday and we we are now camped on our old parade ground in our poncho tents. We left Acquia Creek Sunday and landed at Alexandria Tuesday and camped about a mile out of the city. It was very rainy when we got to our camping ground and most night so I had to sleep in my wet cloths. We marched from that place Wednesday and got here about nine o'clock in the forenoon. We we all glad to get back to this place but we expected the whole army was retreating but we found / that there was but few soldiers in Washington except recruits It seems like getting into a civilized place to get here. every thing is familiar. I would not be surprised if we did not go out on the march again this Fall. though of course I know nothing about it. We were rather rough looking and attracted some notice as we marched through the streets where we were known last winter Our knapsacks are safe but we have not got them yet. It is some time to be without any extra clothing, since the 10^th of last month. I bought a shirt at Acquia Creek but had to pay three times what it was worth. We are to have some new clothing today and have got to be particular with our cloths as we were last winter. It is cold here nights / and warm through the day. I have spent all my money mostly for things to eat. I could not live on hard bread and raw bacon after I was sick. I wish you would send me five dollars in the next letter.

 

There is two months pay due but I do not know when we will be paid and I hate to be without money in this place though I do not need as much as out in Virginia I have seen loaves of bread that would not weigh a pound sold for seventy five cents. I never paid as much however.

 

I have received no letter since I got Marthas dated the 12^th. I will get all that has been sent in time. I wish I could get my box but I hardly think I will. Our mail comes direct now, it is only the back letters that we have not got 

 

I do not know but very little about our army movements and I do not care but very little about them. I would like very well to know that the war was over but I cannot see as there has been much progress made in the last year I wrote a letter to Martha a week ago which I hope she has got.

 

There is nothing more to write

                                    Jerome

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