Falmouth near Fredricksburg
Banks of the Rappahannock. July the 4th 1862
Dear Sister
As this is a holiday for us, I have nothing else to do but write.
We have been in our old camp some 3 weeks and during that time we have had some good times. we have been expecting to go to Richmond for some time past, and still expect to go. when we enlisted the most of us expected the war would be at a close, and the most of us at home by the 4th of July 1862 but instead of that we are some 6 or 700 miles from home and the President has called for 300,000 more troops. I had a good time one year ago today, and have always had a good time on the 4th of July.
But this time all the good time & all the feast I will get will be laying in my old / tent and live on bread and coffee and poor at that. but I do not complain for I rather like soldiering I weigh 164lbs
When I get home to old New Hampshire, I will be happy if I can.
And think of all the good times Ive had with Old Berdan. Bah!
I supose you are haveing a good time on Boston Common to day But I would rather be here if I could have the chance to wipe out an old Secesh once in a while
we have got our Sharps Rifles and I tell you we do some pretty tall shooting at 600yds. the boys are all acheing for a brush with the thieveing vagabons. and if we ever do meet them we will accomplish some pretty great things. I went out of camp yesterday about 7 miles alone and got some cheries. we have them every day. our Capt is agoin to resign. when we left / Washington we had 725 men in our Regt and now we have got 398 an aufull big Regt in 3 months more will there wont be any thing of the Sharp Shooters. we had 1 killed and 44 wounded on the cars on our way to Front Royal. I wrote you all about it some time ago, and sent you 1 dollar to get some postage stamps and have not got any yet. I dont know as you have recieved it. if you have I wish you would send me the stamps for I shall put the last one I have got on this letter and we cant get them here. so I cant write any more. they fire a National Salute to day at 12 oclock, M.
it is very hot here some days and some days when it rains it is very cold. But I reckon we are good for a while longer
Freeman Sanborn has got his discharg. True D. Moulton has got his I believe. the boys are all well as usual. I cant think of any more to write
Give my love to Miss Emma, and all the rest, and keep a good share for yourself write soon
Yours Truly
Robert F. Twombly
2d Regt Co. G. U.S.SS.
Augurs Brigade Kings Division
Washington D.C.
P.S. you will see me at Boston in about 2 years if I come out all right
Robt F. Twombly
Washington D.C.