Near Kellys Ford Va

Nov 13^th/63

 

My Dear Sister

                        Yours of the 4^th was received a few days ago, but I could not find time to answer sooner. You will have to excuse.

 

            We moved from our camp near Warrenton Junction last Saturday (Nov 7^th) went down to Kellys ford. When we came to Bealton we formed line of battle, and advanced. the 6^th Corps was on our right. they were soon engaged. The right of our Corps was engaged some, but we did not get in. Next morning we crossed the river below Kellys ford, moved out about two miles, camped for the night / We expected to move next morning but we did not.

 

The Rebels had went into winter quarters. I suppose they thought that we would do no more this fall. They were badly mistaken. they had hardly got their quarters completed when the Yankeys came down upon them. They must have left in a great hurry, the officers burned their baggage and they left considerable stuff in their camps. We are now enjoying their comfortable quarters. We moved in on the 10^th. I had to build a shanty just got through today.

 

            It is thought that we move next week, and that we are to cross the Rapidan. I think that we will come in to Fredericksburg in the rear, via Chancellorsville. I dont think we will go much father that F— this winter, but still / we may push on toward Richmond

 

The Rebels cannot have a very strong force in front of us our or they would not have let us get over the river so easily. I think the last move was the best ever made by the Army of the Potomac. Since we left Culpeper we have captured about 15 pieces of artillery and upwards of 4000 prisoners. We may have a heavy engagement this fall, but I think it doubtful.

 

I would like to remain here this winter. I am very well fixed, have a house about as large as your parlor, with a fire place &c complete. I could live very comfortable this winter if Meade and Lee would allow us to stay. If the Rebs do get possession of this place again they will not find things in as good order as they left them, for we will burn every thing, i.e. if they do not come / upon us so unexpected as we did upon them. I know that no Rebel shall ever occupy my quarters.

 

I am much obliged to Aunt Sallie for that picture, but I do not think it a very good one.

 

Has Mollie ever got those pictures taken yet? She promised to send me hers & Arys. Please tell her that I am going to write to her some of these days soon. Now mind tell her.

 

We are to be paid tomorrow. I do not know what I will do with my money, there is no express office here, and I do not think it will be safe for me to send money by mail. You were so long in acknowledging the receipt of that money that I feared that it was lost.

 

Must close, My love to all

                                   

Your Brother

JSWinans

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