Camp at Minors Hill Va

Monday Mar 2^nd

           

Dear Father

                                    I received a letter from you last evening in which you stated that you had not heard from me for some time and that you were afraid that I was sick. Before you receive this you will get my last which I hope will set your mind at rest in reference to my health. I never was in better health than at present I am sorry that I was so long without writing and that you were felt so anxious about me. I will be more punctual hereafter.

 

I enclose those papers of Webbs. Mrs W— had better go to / Capt Cuthbertson and get instructions as to the manner in which to proceed so as to be certain of getting the pay. She will have to be careful of these papers, for if they are lost I cannot issue any to replace them.

 

            I got my Rolls made out complete before muster day. we were mustered the 28^th Mustered 53 men present. The inspector (Major Snodgrass) marked the Co. good in everything. I was surprised for last muster he put us down as "Middling" That was very easily accounted for—the Maj & I having quarreled the day of last muster and did it for spite. the Co. was just as good then as it is now.

 

            We had a dress parade this evening. It is the first for a / long time. We have fitted out the men in complete new suits and they look fine, all clean and neat. I have the largest and best company (so the Brig Inspector says) in the Reg't. Altho' some of my men are rough and wild they are easily governed. I think that I get along better with my Company than any other Company Commander in the Reg't. Never have any difficulty with any of the men and the greater part of them are friends.

 

I must close as it is late and there is not much to write Of course you have heard of the raid which Stewart has made in this direction. He came within eight or ten miles of this place. We were ordered to be ready to move a moments / notice. We strengthened the picket line and were ready and anxious that he would pay us a visit. I wish he would make a dash at us. I think such a trouncing that he would not want to try us again.

 

Every man we have is confident that he is a match for at least two or three Rebel Cavalrymen

 

My love to Mother and the Children.

                                                           

Your affc't Son

JSWinans

 

P.S. I cannot send a man to Windmill Pt with Mrs Webb. Cannot detail men to leave the camp.                                  

JSW

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