Camp before Richmond

June 25^th /62.

                                   

Dear Father

            I have just received your letter. I am very sorry that you could not get out to camp. If I had known that you was at White House I might possibly have got a pass and went down. I think that you could have got out by getting a horse and riding out but it would have been dangerous. There has been a positive order issued prohibiting all persons not connected with the army from visiting the advance. We are nearer Richmond than any other part of the army. Two of our companies had a skirmish yesterday. They / drove in the rebel pickets wounding several. I think we will have an engagement here soon. The enemy are strengthening their position every day. Last night during a storm they succeeded in throwing two bridges across the river opposite our camp They attempted to put up others but were frustrated There is continual firing along the picket line to day. The enemy are trying make up for our attack yesterday

 

There have been several of our men wounded slightly I think that the enemy have suffered most as we have the advantage of being the attacted party.

We can see the spires on churches in R— from our / camp. Can see several field pieces to day but they wisely keep a good distance from our parrots. Our force is not very large just here but we have large reserve in the rear.

 

Henry Hays came to camp yesterday he brought the sash the Capt likes it very well Sam'l Veyon got back from the hospital at Annapolis to day. We have four men away at hospitals yet. The health of the Co continues good. We have but four on the sick list now. I think that we have one of the healthiest Regts in the service. In fact I think that the Reserve Corps is about the hardiest Corps that is out. We have went through as many hardships / as any other Corps with the exception perhaps of some of the western troops. We have been in the field without tents since the 15 of March, have marched a great deal, and most all of our marches have been in the rain. I think that we can stand the climate better than those who came out later than we did. I have not much news to write now I have written to Elsie pretty often lately & have endeavored to give all the news

 

We have to turn out at three oclock nearly every morning now the rebels stir up some kind of a fuss about that time every morning. It rained very hard last night and has been thundering all day. I think we will have more rain to night.

 

I must close or I will not get this off until to-morrow

 

Give my love to all. I remain

Your affectionate Son

JSWinans

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