H^d Qrs. Q.M. Dept

3^d M^d Battⁿ V.V.I.

Near Petersburg V^a

Sept 8^th 1864

           

My dear Hester

                                    Your welcome letter of the 1^st came to hand this morning and I was much pleased to hear from you once more. I suppose you have given up all hopes of hearing from me again. I must offer the same excuse to you that I did to mother (although you seemed to doubt an excuse that I gave some time ago) viz. since the fifteenth of last times have been very buisy in this Army; you are doubtless aware that our army made a move about that time, and also that they have had two engagements with indefinite success I have been completely worked out but now that things have resumed their usual quiet I promise myself a rest for a week or so.

 

            Since my last to you we have moved / our camp twice. we are now in a most beautiful camp on top of a hill in a large field, wood and water plenty and close at hand, (and they are the chief points in a camp) good healthy location, and a fine view of the surrounding country; taking all things into consideration it is the best camp we have had during this Campaign; and I only wish we will stay here a while to enjoy it.

 

            So you have paid Elizabeth another visit. well I am glad to know that you enjoy yourself if I dont. You got acquainted with those inhabitants of Jersey too the mosquitoes. Jersey mosquitoes are said to be ahead of any in this country, and I am inclined to believe it, from the experience I have had, what do you think? I hope the next time you go I may be with you, how would you like that; if I had not re-enlisted I might have been home a month ago, as my three years expired on the 12^th of last month, but I do not regret it. My country needs me and I am content to stay; You know I am very patriotic.

 

            Our late movement on the Weldon R.R. / was a complete success, although our movement beyond that was not quite so successful. we have taken up a new position and a fight is expected daily. our Army army is being strengthened at the rate of three thousand per day and in about ten days more you may look for another movement on Grants part. the news of the fall of Atlanta was joyfully received here salutes were fired from every battery in the army and a general rejoicing pervades throughout this entire army. the next we expect to hear is the fall of Mobile. Richmond is a long time falling, but never fear it will go with the rest sooner or later.

 

            Our old 1^st Division is broken up and my Regiment has been transferred to the third Division 9 Corps

 

            Col Robinson & Capt Littlejohn send their best respects, the Capt's wound is quite well, and he is now with the Regt. Remember me to your folks and all enquiring friends (as you say) so with my love to you I close

                                                                       

Remaining Yours as ever

Bob 

 

Address

            Lieut R. S. Stedman   

            R.Q.M. 3^d M^d Battn

            3^d Brig 3^d Div 9^th Corps

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