H^d Qrs Baty F 1^st Pa Arty      

March 16^th /65

 

Camp Near Hatchers Run.

            Dear Laura, Your letters dated 9^th & 12^th March. I was so glad to hear from you, as it has been so long since I had one from you. we have marched all day and I feel quite tired to night, but I thought I could not go to bed without answering.

 

I am well and the prospect looks cheerful. I anticipate a great battle but I am confident of victory. it may be delayed a week or two but it cannot last much longer. I have not time to say much in regard to yours of the 17^th & my reply of the 25^th. We will drop that and try and do better in the future. The wind blows so that tis next to / impossible to keep a light, and our tent flaps, and I entertain from that the wind will carry it away. Lt Wireman & G Mowser are in the tent talking but dont know who I am writing to. they are talking about the good times they had when home and what they will do when the war is over. We have orders to turn in two guns & all surplus baggage to save horse flesh and make quick movements. I wish Lt Campbell was here as we have so much to do, and take the Battery through the fight. we can do it, but we are both young Officers, and have not had much experience

 

I am sorry that you did not see Brother Silas. he looks well and is a good soldier. Sister Lib has not wrote one line to me since I have been home. I suppose she is pouting. 

 

I am surprised to hear that Campbell is paying his attention to Miss Jane I thought that was all over with. What will he do with her in Phil^a. I would not be surprised now should he take her for better or worse. What do you think of it.

 

I am too sorry to hear that your father is sick he is not hearty at best and it will be hard for him to be sick. I must close and go to bed. I cant keep my eyes open much longer. The wind continues to blow and it has commenced raining

 

Morning March 17^th. I have had a good sleep and feel much better. Marching Orders are for the present countermanded. to day is St Patricks day. the Irish Brigade are having a Jubilee. I think I will go and see them so soon as I finish this letter. 

 

this morning the sun shines warm. the boys are busy putting up tents and cleaning our new camp. we may remain here a week, until everything is ready for the grand move. I think Lt. C. will return before we go. I hope so at least. You say you seen Rev Swanger and he looks old. then he is not so handsome as he was when on the Sunday Circuit, and he remembered me. well. I see nothing wrong in this, but I should like to see him. I think I could talk to him with a much better grace. I have been from home since then. I suppose they had a good time

 

I have been told by some of the Danville boys that some one set fire to the chicken coops and deprived the divines from good grub as we call it in camp please tell me whether you was kept on short rations during your visit. 

 

Laura you requested me to tell you what you had said in yours of the 23^d. I may have misunderstood you. I have burned the letter, but I took it for granted that you would have me understand that I was more anxious as regards our marriage than you. Also you said we would be the best of friends in the future. But I hope this is past and we will always be good friends as we have for the last year.

 

I must close please write soon as I am always anxious to hear from you. And when we start on the campaign I will write when tis possible. Should you not hear from me in a week or two, dont be discouraged, and if anything of a serious nature happen me some one will apprize you of it so soon / as practicable.

 

            remember me kindly to your family & Griers

                                               

I am as ever yours

Lieut WHThurston

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