Near Falmouth Va.                

Thursday April 9^th 1863

 

Dear Martha

                        I received Nancys letter last night and yours some time before also the papers, one of which had some letter paper. I am still in my old camp and I think we will stop here, perhaps for a month. I cannot see any thing that looks like a move now, though we have been expecting all along to have to march as soon as the mud dried up. the roads are passable now and we have some quite warm days. Last Sunday there was / a snow storm.

 

Yesterday there was a grand review about half a mile from here near Sickles head quarters. the whole battalion had leave to go and see it though we were not in the review. I happened to be on guard so could not leave camp I could see part of it from here and did not think I lost much as I can see soldiers any day. I saw the cavalry review Monday and had a glimse at Lincoln. When we were at Yorktown a year ago I remember guessing we had a hundred thousand men, and have since found there was 112,000. I should judge now there was nearly twice as many as that. You can imagine they cover a large field and that it is quite a sight. I saw the army massed together the night before / the battle of Antietam, and also before the fight at Fredericksburgh

 

I think this Battalion can drill as well and it looks as neat as any troops.

 

I have not been to see Daniel Wiley and he has not been here. I don't think I shall try to find him for when I do see him I haven't any thing in particular to say to him.

 

Your taking the school was a surprise to me. have discipline and not let it worry you and I think you will make a good teacher.

 

I think you and Nancy have improved in writing this winter. there is not much chance of me improving as I do not get much practice and I have to write on my knee. my writing case is very handy. /

 

Nancy wants to know if I ever go to meetings. I have seen two chaplains since I have been with the army, but whether they ever held meetings is more than I know.

 

good bye

Jerome

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