Camp Sedgwick.                    

Near Brandy Station Va.

May 1^st. 1864.

 

Dear Sister.                                                                             

                                    We still remain in the vicinity of old Brandy but by judging from present appearances our stay here is to be of very short duration.

 

            Everything as far as we are able to see is in readiness for the march, and in all probability the grand battle that has been looked forward to so long by the North and the South as well as the two opposing armies will be fought this present week.

 

I think we shall march day after tomorrow though we have not received marching orders as yet that I know. The opinion here is that Burnside is to be with us. The railroad guards are being relieved by nigger troops / and are coming up this way.

 

Brandy Station is being evacuated of supplies and all other movable property belonging to the army and is being sent to Culpeper, even houses that have been used in the commissary department are being taken down and taken up there. Sedgwick moved his headquarters yesterday to the same place. It seems as though Culpeper is to to be the base of operations in the coming fight. We heard the other day that the rail road was to be abandoned altogether so that the whole force belonging to the army may be in a position to be of some benefit in case their services were needed, but according to present appearances the railroad is still to be guarded although by nigger troops

 

The weather has been fine of late for military operations but it looks as if there might be some rain by morning. it has rained a little this afternoon and evening. the wind is pretty strong and from the South. So there is not much signs of a long storm. 

 

Your letter came through safely last Wednesday night, a few nights earlier than they have been in the habit of coming though by no means the less welcome for that. I have entirely recovered from that cold and the old tooth dont grumble at all now. its probably waiting till I get cold again They are having a gay old time in the meeting house tonight. I guess they have got a new man at the pump for I can hear almost as well here as though I was down there. I shouldnt think they could get up much excitement tonight as it is raining somewhat and there is no covering over the walls of the house. it was sent away this last week with the other surplus baggage, taken to the rear. I suppose we have had our last lot of soft bread for the present. they have got an everlasting lot of hard bread at the brigade commissary's and they have been selling off what soft bread they had on hand today and potatoes, onions, hams &c. / in order to have every thing off their hands thats possible. I bought bread and potatoes enough to last us while we stay here I think. Jo Wood has been put on duty. he is uneasy I tell you. No word from Washington yet that I know of. He has gone into another tent to stay now, where two just went out leaving one alone. So he has more room now and a little better chance to spread himself

 

The rebels are having things pretty near their own way now dont you think so? But it wouldnt be strange if they laughed out of the other corner of their mouth before many days. Have you bought any thing musical yet. I have been thinking considerably of late about your (intended?) purchase. I shall expect to see a great musician at your house some of these fine days if I am lucky enough to get through the hail storm of shot and shell which I suppose the rebels are prepared to shower upon us. Your Truly L. C. Cook.

 

Give my respects to all enquiring friends.

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