Camp 9^th Reg PRC

Near Catletts Station

April 29^th /62

                                   

Dear Father

                   I received your welcome letter this morning. We have rec^d but two mails since we came here. We are all getting along well. I think we will leave to-day or in the morning, the 1^st & 2^nd Brigades have both started for Fredericksburg It is about 26 miles. The roads [paper fold] back. We go on picket this evening. I have been out in the country some. Most of the people are secessionists but they profess to be Union. They still have hopes that Jeff will succeed. Some of them think that the war will last for ten years yet. All seem / anxious that the war will close soon. But they have an idea that the Federal Gov't will be willing to compromise on their terms, viz. the recognition of the Confederate states as an independent power. This is a beautiful country it puts me much in mind of Ohio. The soil is not good in many places it is worked out. The timber is so raggy and poor. From here we can see the tops of the Blue Ridge Mts in the distance they look like a low black cloud just above the horizon. I was out yesterday when on a hill near here I had a splendid view of the country for miles around. I would like to visit this place in time of peace. I was not / very well when we left Manassas but feel hearty now. I am glad you disposed of my money so well. If I have no bad luck I think I can have a nice little sum at the close of my term of service. Our expences are very heavy here. I bought a pair of shoes yesterday for $5.00 which at home could be had at 2.00 but I was forced to get them at any price they will not last more than two weeks if we have to march much. Most every thing we buy here costs about four times as much as it is worth. We have to give just what they choose to ask.

 

They are getting very strict with us, a court Martial in session most of the time / Bob Lemmon says they are putting us through an Ordeal. The General is determined to bring us to discipline. He is (Ord I mean) much liked by all. He is constantly doing something for the comfort of the men. A few days ago a soldier who was on guard at his quarters had on a poor pair of shoes his foot was on the ground. the Gen'l noticed them asked the soldier if they were his best. when told that they were he stooped down took off his own and give them to him. I must close the mail carrier is ready to start. Give my love to all the family.

 

I remain Your Son

J. S. Winans

 

PS Direct as before until further orders.

J. S. Winans

 

[top front margin upside down]

 

I forgot to tell you that we were the 2^nd Division of the 1^st Corps [?] under Gen M^cDowell

JSWinans

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