Washington friday April 10^th

8 Oclock PM

 

My very Dear Wife & Children

I wrote to you last night informing you of our safe arival here I will now try to tell you what we have done to day & what we expect to do we called 1^st on Col Quay who gave us a note of recommendation to Capt Potter who refered us to Capt Johnston who refered us to Gen Lothrop I then had to go to the war department to Gen Canby who ordered Gen Heintzelman to give us a pass to Gen Stalls head quarters at Center ville which took up the day until two (2) Oclock the next thing to be attended to was the way to get there after a couple of / hunting and bargaining we have engaged a man to take us out to Bulls Run & back for 60 dollars we to find food for the drivers it will take us at least 2½ days if we do get back safe we expect to get back here at 12 Oclock on Monday take the train at 6 Oclock on Monday PM arrive in Pittsburg at the noon train but if we are very tired we will not leave here before Tuesday 6 PM Now my Dear Wife & Children do not be uneasy I will not conceal from you that our mission will be attended with danger of life & liberty but our mission is a holy one and I rely on Gods protection / yet I am not certain that we with the protection given to us that we can reach the battle ground I did not get out to the Reserves, but I am satisfied that it is on the Bulls Run field that Addison lays & as far as possible I will try to get him

 

            I have no more to add now but may the blessing of an holy God every follow you Dear Wife & Children

                                                           

Your Affectionate

Husband & father

H. B. Lyon

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