Camp Near Falmouth

Feb 8^th 1863   

 

Dear Sister

                        This is the most exciting day we have had for several days. nine of each company have gone away on detached service probably they are to go with the ninth army corps. we do not know where that is but think they are to go as far as Fortress Monroe and then get farther orders. Crossley is one that has gone. he told me to write that had gone and that / he would have written if he had had time. They had no notice and only had time to pack up. They took five days rations and it is possible they may come back again but we expect they have left us for some time. The 36^th Mass Regt. is in the ninth Corps and they have left this army.

 

I received a letter from Collins about a week ago with his photograph. I was very glad to hear from him as it was more than a year since I had received a letter. he did not know where I was and I did not know where he was. he is in West Fitchburg. I expected that he had enlisted before this was glad to find he had not / He saw Wiley and found out where I was.

 

I got my gloves last Monday they are just the things I wanted I am glad I did not send for a box for I hear that they will not come through. They was going to give furloughs but now they have stopped that. I am glad to see the reception M^cClellan received in New England I think this army is nearly ruined by losing him. They have not found a better man to take his place and it is a pity he could not have remained till they did. The mud here is as deep as ever and is likely to remain so as it rains and snows nearly every day now 

 

I would like to go to Mr Howes writing school one evening for the sake of old times

 

I received a letter from Edmund Holman the other day the have had some fighting

 

Every thing is still as can be here. it is nearly always too stormy or too muddy to drill I do not know where I shall write from next. Some of our fellows have been surveying around Acquia Creek and laying out fortifications so I almost think the army is going to leave this place but you must not say any thing about it for fear the rebels will hear.

 

I will try to write if we are likely to move

Jerome

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