Camp Stone-wall Brigade, Orange Co. Va.

Dec 5^th /63

 

Dear Sister;

                        I will now write you a few lines to let you know that I am well & hearty at this time. I hope when these few lines come to hand they will find you all well. We are now stationed at our old camp fifteen miles below Orange C.H. I will now give you the particulars of our fight, which occurred on the 27^th of Nov. In the first place, the yankys tried to cross the river at Raccoon ford, but our men cept them back, and then they started down the river some seven or eight miles, and crossed the river. On the 27^th our train was ordered to a place called Locus grove near Mine run. On the 27^th we started in that direction. The train going one road, and the troops another (road)

 

When we were marching along the roads we heard canonading in our front. after we had gone some three mile, the yankys attacked our division in the rear.

 

We halted then, and sent out skirmish. the skirmishers commenced fireing very rapidly directly. A line of battle was soon form, and then we was order forward, we then started with a yell down through the woods. we (then) soon come in contact with the yankys We drove the yankys twice from their position. We quit fighting after dark. After dark we went to the place where we intended to go that day. The yanky loss killed & wounded is reported to be four hundred & fifty. I felt in a dead yankys haversack (while we were fighting) to see what he had, he had crackers. 

 

On the 28^th, 29^th, 30^th we laid in a line of battle. We built strong fortification near mine run. We exspected to have a big fight their, but the yankys was a fraid to attack us in our fortifications. On the night of the 30^th the yankys fell back across the river, we then come back to our old camp. Their was only one man wounded in our company, (and that) on the 27^th and that was Frank Rothgeb. Bushrod Oden was wounded by a shell on the 29^th. I was in the fight on the 27^th and come out safe again thank the lord. It is reported to day that the yankys have fallen back across the Rapohannock river. I think the yankys are somewhere in the neighborhood of Culpeper. I do not think that old Meade will pester us any more this winter. I think he will go into winter quarters now and let us alone for this winter. I think our troops will soon go into winter quarters now. It is reported to day that we will go up closer to Orange to take up winter quarters. I think we will take up winter quarters some where in this neighborhood . We have eight boys in the guardhouse now. Man Rothgeb come to us on the 30^th of Nov, he still says he can not stand it. I think he can stand it awhile again, if he trys Reubin Alshire is still with us yet. I begin to think that he will have to remain with us. I dont believe he can get his papers wright. I will now stop for to night as it is getting too dark to write. turn over 

 

Dec 6^th/63 (Sunday morning)

Dear Sister; I will now finish my letter this morning. To day has the appearance of being warm. We have had very pretty weather this winter, so far yet I think we are a going to have a very hard winter this winter. We have had know snow down here yet. I see know prospect of this war ending soon, but I hope it will not continue a nother summer. I hope this war will not last any longer than this winter I am getting tired of this war now. I want to try to get a furlough this winter if I can possibley can. I can not tell yet when I will get one, their are some before me, that are to have furloughs first.

 

Reubin Comer got a box of provision the other day which come in firstrate. I have had one mess of sausages this year. I want you to send me some provision the first oppertunity you have. I want you to send me a little corn meal & some pies & some sausages & pooddens when you butt butcher, also send some more coffee. We have got right smart coffee yet, but we will be out tell we get some more. Tell Pap I want him to come down this winter, if we stay here close to Orange C.H. I want you to send me that blanket that I had last winter. One blanket is not enough for this winter. Send me a pair of half soles to put on my shoes before they get so thin. I can have them put on down here. I will send some money home the next time we dray draw, if nothing happens.

                                                                                                           

turn over

I must now soon come to a close, as I have nothing more to write just now. I have not heard from you all since S Miller came down here. I think it is time you are writing again. I want you to give me all the newes when you write. I would like to know what you thought of my pants & round-about where I sent home. The round-about cost 12 dollars. The pants cost 8 dollars. Shirt cost 3 dollars, which is cheaper than you can by them at home. I suppose you got them. The over coat that I sent home is a most too good to wear in the army. I thought meby you could buy me a cheap yanky overcoat some where if you try. If you can not get me one I will try and do without one this winter, over coats is very high. Apples are selling at one hundred thirty dollars per barrel. Pies are selling at fifty cents per pie. Send me some butter too when ever you can. Butter is selling at three & a half Dollars per pound. Potatoes two dollars per dozen. Cabbage one dollar per head. I heard that you had a shucking. I must now close as I have written a nough for this time.

 

From your sincere brother,

Ambrose M. Hite,

To Susan R. Hite.

 

N.B.                                                                 

            I want you to write

            as soon as this come to

            hand, for I would like

            to hear from home again

SOURCES