Camp 11^th N.H. Vols

Near Weldon R.R. Aug. 26^th /'64

 

            Dear Julia

                                    We are lying quietly behind our earthworks expecting orders to move any hour. All is quiet "as far as heard from". An ominous quiet I think. Last night just before dark heavy cannonading was heard on our left and right, accompanied with rapid discharges of musketry. Hancock  moved down to the left about six miles and reports say reached the junction of the South Side rail road two days ago, he has been tearing up the track on this Weldon line with perfect impunity since the 22^nd. The fifth Corps succeeded in reaching this road on the 18^th / rather surprising the Johnnies but between the 18^th and 22^nd Warren (5^th Corps) had hard work to hold his opposition. The enemy were determined to drive him away and pushed down upon him with two Corps Hills & Johnsons (Rebel) After hard fighting during which we lost quite large in prisoners, on the evening of the 21^st two divisions of our Corps arrived here and immediately attacked the rebs drove them back in confusion and captured several hundred prisoners Our brigade did not get in very hot we only had a slight skirmish. After dark we began to build up a line of works and made an abatis in front. we continued at work all of the 22 & 23^rd No attack has been made since and we have been destroying the track. Nearly twenty miles are destroyed. We pile up the ties or sleepers as they are called in N.H. put the rails on top then burn the ties—(As they / burn they heat the rails which are then easily bent. every rail will have to be taken to machine shop and straightened before they will be of any further use.

 

Grants activity makes the rebs very uneasy they are constantly in fear of a strike in some new place. The Second Corps is just now the most active. one night I hear them hurrying by my quarters, the next we hear from them ten miles away like a flea you never know where to find them. three days ago they were encamped not half a mile from us and yesterday when I rode up there to find Dave and Charlie Begant lo: Hancock was six miles away toward Weldon. Sometimes I get up in the night when I hear the steady tramp-tramp-tramp by my tent and ask them, What Corps is that? "Second, of course" Where are you going "Devil knows" says one "to Maryland" says another "We are going to give / Old Robert another left flanker" says another etc.

 

            I am feeling first rate, the first weeks wet fixed me all right I got nicely "broke in" again—

 

G. has been to see me and has gone to City Point again. I expect him here again in a few days. He seems to enjoy himself very well. Geo. is one of those who can adapt themselves to almost any circumstances

 

A letter came to him yesterday from David. the young man seems to be making rapid progress in learning the bank business. Well they say young men come on to the stage earlier in life than they used to. I am glad David can have a little experience and responsibility Here comes that inevitable staff Officer of ours so I suppose we have got to move.

 

            Much love to all. Please remember that I have received but three letters from home since I left and have written five   Yours Affectionately J.C.C.

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