In the field, near Fredericksburg Va.

3^d Brig 1^st Div 3^d Corps Hookers Grand Div.

November 23^d 1862

 

My Dear Father,

                        The Rappahannock River is two miles from here, and on the other shore the City of Fredericksburg. We are near Falmouth, with the Railroad to Acquia Creek as our means of communication with the outer world. As far as postal and catering conveniences are concerned, it does not do much good. We expected to hear the first shell of the threatened bombardment of that city this A.M. but so far all has remained quiet.

 

By coming here, the Reg'm't has made almost a circuit. I trust we may complete the periphery by marching past and through Richmond to our old lines.

I wrote you about the position I find myself placed in as regards the filling of the vacancies made left by the dismissal of Clancy & Dyckman. The senior Captain, Joe. Yeamans who since last August has been Act'g Major has done so nobly and worked so faithfully that I cannot bring myself to pass him over. He was an old associate of Dyckman's and / more through evil association than lack of good principles has often erred. He has for the past four months done well, and shown himself to be a brave and duty-doing officer—his only fault is indulging, or having indulged in occasional sprees with Dyckman, Clancy, Coles et id genus omnia. He has to all appearances dropped that life, and I think if under influences that must now surround him, that he would be a different man. Gen'l Berry recommended him to me strongly.

 

The next senior Captain Leland, is too inattentive to his duties. The next is undoubtedly The Man viz Capt. Ebenezer Van Tuyl. I think now of making Van Tuyl Lt. Col. and Yeamans Major. Let me hear your views on the subject. I wrote to Gov. Morgan about securing some conscripts for my Reg'm't. Could I get one or two hundred, I would have a nucleus of 3 years men, to make another Reg'm't of when the expiration of our present time is out. The time of the Reg'm't expires the 23^d of next April. We have been in service 19 months to day. I have / every day expected Charley, and long to see him. He must now leave Washington for Acquia Creek, and from the latter place take the train to the camp. I think it will do him good. If he had been here a few days ago, I could have got him upon the staff of Gen'l Stoneman command'g the Corps—but I am afraid it is now too late. I want a good, reliable Sutler, a man who would be contented to make 100 pr. ct. and who would adopt the plan "of something ventured, something gained" one not afraid to incur risks. If you know such a man, with five hundred dollars capital about, he could do a driving business. I inclose two papers I find among those left by Col. Dyckman. The Col. was directed to account for absent officers, and Clancy & Coles sent to him statements explaining their absence—these statements Dyckman gave to me to look over, as I was at the time in command. I returned them endorsed as you see, and Dyckman would not forward them. / You can readily guess why—

 

I am writing sitting upon the ground leaning against my tent pole, and my pen is thus as much directed by the wind, as my will, so excuse the writing. Write soon & believe me

                                                                       

Yr. Aff. Son

Fred

 

The Reg'm't has come up splendidly. I am very proud of it now, and think it second to none. I have filled the vacancies of line officers, mostly with good promotions and there is fast getting up a proper spirit of pride & esprit de corps that together with the harmony prevailing among all both rank & file & officers, will accomplish much. Gen'l Berry who was strong in his recommendations to have it disbanded, has twice spoken to me of its improvement, and the last time, made a special order, complimenting the Reg'm't & its conduct.     

Fred

 

I have made Hagadorn, a 1^st. Lieut.

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