Hagerstown Landing Eve of Oct 12/62

                                               

Dear Madam

               I have at last arrived at this most mean contemptable place. I find upon enquiry that all the wounded soldiers left here for Chambersburg & Harrisburg nearly two weeks ago.

           

Not a single wounded one left. I visited the only Hospital in the place. lots of sick of various diseases—are still in it.

           

The names of all the soldiers were taken away with them at that time.

           

In coming here from Frederick I passed over one of the fields of battle—"South Mountain" I think they called it. Many dead horses are still left on the field. 

 

I shall leave here for Chambersburg tomorrow morning at 7 ock. & hope when I get there to give you the information that you wish.

           

I will write you again tomorrow morning.

 

It is 27 miles from here to Frederick. The whole road all the way was filled with Cavelry & large 4 & 6 mule baggage waggons.

 

About 2 Oclock this morning I was awoke by the trampling of horses & Infantry. I sprang out of bed & went down to see what was to pass—found the street full of troops.—two brigades had just arrived from Harpers Ferry—there was about 1000 of Cavelry—so may judge of the confusion.

 

There is now, or was this morning about 1800 Rebels within about 5 or 6 miles [words stricken]—& Frederick— / I felt at one time this morning like getting out of the way of the Rebels bullets. I think I should have run down cellar.

           

This is the troop of Cavelry that made a raid on Chambersburg a day or two since. the are now trying to get back again across the Potomac. I think the chance is against them. If our troops are smart they will catch them I hope. they are after them the hardest kind.

                                                                       

I remain

Very Truly

Rufus Nichols

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