Minors Hill Va April 19^th

                       

Dear Father

                                                I received your welcome letter last evening. I was surprised to learn that you had not received a letter from me for so long I wrote the 11^th or 12^th to Elsie and endorsed a note to you. I sent that money so that you could pay in the balance of that stock before dividend day. I have had very good health since I returned to camp but at times I have not felt as well contented as I was before I was at home. I had a great deal of duty to do after I came back until the new officers were rigged out. But I have but little to do now. Was on duty picket the 1^st and then not until the 17^th again The last time I was out I was Field officer of the pickets. Had charge of about 5 miles of the line I arrested a man named Stewart (said to be an Uncle of Genl Stewart's) a brother in law of Jackson (the murderer of Ellsworth). A Union man living at Lewinsville gave me information that Stewart was in the habit of forwarding mails / to the Rebels. Stewart was not at home when I went to his house (at noon) I searched the house but could not find anything wrong. Mrs S— was very much opposed to the search and stormed and scolded at a furious rate. She did give me hook from the start. I placed a guard around the house and instructed them not to allow any person to leave and to arrest Stewart when he returned He came home about dark. He was brought to me and I never saw so innocent a man, that is, to believe what he said. I sent him to Washington.

 

This part of the country is full of such men. Nearly all have taken the oath of Allegiance but they dont respect it much. The rebels got a valuable man the night of the 16^th A Mr Sherman He lived about six miles out and had went out that evening to see his family. In the night a squad of Rebel Cavalry came and took him. He has been a spy & guide for us ever since the war began. They will hang him unless he can escape, but he has done that once and they will watch him well this time.

 

            This is a beautiful day. A few such days will bring the leaves out. The fields begin to look quite green. Many of the farmers are plowing and making preparations to put in crops. They have lost their crop for the last / two years. I should not feel like doing much if I was in their conditions.

 

There is still some talk of us moving It is generally believed that we will be taken to Washington or Alexandria to do Provost duty. I would much rather stay where we are, for I know we will have considerable trouble with some of our men if taken to a city.

 

We have no news from the Rappahannock but I think that Hooker will do something very soon. It is reported that 6000 Rebel Cavalry came to Dranesville yesterday. Attacted and drove our Cavalry pickets in as far as Difficult creek (about four miles out) I dont think there is any doubt but there is a Rebel Cavalry force about Bull Run M't's. and Frying pan. Every few days they make their appearance in front of our advance pickets.

 

            The Sec'y of War has refused to reinstate Col Anderson. I am sorry for the old man. he has done his duty faithfully and deserves reward instead of disgrace.

 

It is church time. I will close. Write soon as convenient

                                                                       

Your affc't Son

J.S.Winans

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