Head Qrs 3^d M^d V.V.I.

In the field near Richmond V^a

June 10^th 1864

           

My dear Hester

                                    Yours of June 1^st & 4^th I received this morning also the pictures, with which I was well pleased, though I cannot say which one I will keep yet. Capt Laroze has resigned and gone home; so until I hear from him I cannot send the picture to Mrs Laroze. I showed them to Capt Littlejohn and he wanted one very bad but I could not see it. he spoke about the one he promised you and as soon as he can get to the wagons and get his valise he will send you one. I will try and take better care of this one than the other and not wear it out so soon

 

            You say Mother is very down hearted and the cause is not receiving a letter from me. now I assure you that if she has received no letter from / me it is no fault of mine; I wrote to her from from Alexandria V^a, Bealton Station & Fredericksburg, and the last was written on last Saturday June 4^th and I have not received a letter from her; or any of the family since I left Baltimore; and the next time you see her I wish you would tell her what I have said; and also tell her that if nothing happens I will write again tomorrow. I am much obliged to you for informing me that mother had not received a letter from me in some time and consider that you have done me a great favor by so doing

 

            I returned to the Regiment on the fifth after an absence of eighteen days and much better than when I left though by no means well. my boys all hailed my return with pleasure and appeared very glad to see me back again for I can safely say and without boasting too that my boys think a deal of their first Lieutenant

 

            On the evening of the fifth our Division moved about one mile to the right and rear, our object being to protect our flank from a rear attack here we threw up a strong breastwork. I was / detailed to take command of the skirmishers. all passed quiet in our front during the night but not so with the fifth and eighteenth Corps for about 9 o'clock at night the enemy advanced a heavy column of Infantry on them their intentions being to break our lines at all hazards, and hoping to surprise our men, but fortunately for our cause they were foiled in their plans our men were prepared for them and gave them a reception by no means very flattering to them (although I have no doubt it flattened many of them) the engagement lasted about one hour and was a complete success for our arms as we repulsed the enemy with severe loss. About half past four on the afternoon of the battle just as I was being relieved from skirmishing the enemy began shelling our works and for about half an hour the shells fell like hail but luckily for us doing no damage except to cause Corps H^d Qrs to find a more retired spot all was quiet the rest of the day with the exception of a picket skirmish now and then consequently the day has been was very dull. On the eighth our Brigade was sent on picket about one mile from the right of our Army where we have been / ever since; for the past three days things have been unusually quiet indeed were it not for the [?] and true flag that I received on the seventh I do not know what I would do to relieve the dull monotony of life in the trenches

 

            Some time ago you spoke in a letter about a lock of my hair it slipped my mind every time I have written but I happened to think of it this time so enclosed you will please find a lock if it is not enough let me know and I will send you another

 

            Yesterday I received the Weekly Journal of America and have no doubt that it was from your friend as it had no stamp on its date was June 2^d and if you had seen the crowd of eager listeners that I had around me as I read them the news aloud I think you would have been surprised

 

            My little store of news is now run out and I must now bring this to a close. Remember me to all your folks and accept my love for yourself

                                               

With my best wishes for your welfare

                                               

I remain

Yours devotedly

Bob

 

Address as before

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