Camp near Rappahannock Station

Aug 18^th/63

 

Dear Father

                        I thought that I would receive a letter from home this evening but it did not come. I was somewhat disappointed.

 

We are still lying in camp near the river but there is every appearance that we will leave here soon. We are under marching orders now and have been for several days. Yesterday we received orders to pack up ready to start at any minute I thought that we would certainly move, but night came and we unpacked again. I think that it is / certain that we will leave this place very soon and that when we do move it will be towards Washington. There has been a great many troops taken away from there They went to Alexandria from there I think they are shifting for some point South most likely for North Carolina I only know of parts of three Corps being about there now the 5^th 3^rd & 1^st. And I think that as soon as the Rebels make any demonstration we will all fall back toward Fairfax & Centreville. It is said that Gen'l Meades H. Qrs are at Fairfax now. This news is contraband and must not be published. Of course it can do no harm to have / it known in New Brighton, but if a Pittsburg paper was to publish it there would be danger of its being known where we do not wish it known.

 

It is thought by officers here that the Army of the Potomac is to be broken up, or what amounts to the same thing, to be taken south, leaving only a sufficient force to hold the defences at Washington. The heat has subsided some but still it is very warm during the day. The nights are quite cool. The change from heat to cold is having bad effect upon the men. Diarrhea is very prevalent which I think is caused by cold.

 

We are to have a grand time here next week, if we stay / that long. A magnificent horse sword & equipments is to be presented to Gen'l Meade by the Officers of the Penna. Reserves. We are to have a grand entertainment at the time. Gov'nr Curtin is to be here. All the officers of the P.R.C. are to be present.

 

            I received a letter from Elsie a few days ago from Boardman, he is a little homesick I think.

 

Those bonds will be along in about two weeks. A.C. Hawkins will send them by express as soon as they are issued. I got $20.00 from one of my men he wishes it deposited in Bank. For fear of loss by mail, I think you had better deposit $20.00 to his credit and charge me. I will keep the money for I may need it before we are paid again. Deposit it to credit of James C. Crawford, Co. H 9^th Regt. He wishes it to have interest. It is bed time My love to Mother & the Children

                       

Your affec't Son          JSWinans

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