Evening 10 O'clock

Q.M. Office 3^d M^d Battn

Before Petersburg V^a

Dec 3^d 1864

 

My dear Hester

           Yours of the 28^th of Nov arrived here last thursday, but I have been so buisy fixing up my quarters that I had to put off writing until this evening

 

            Since my last we have made another move this time towards our right. On the morning of the 29^th we broke up camp near Patrick Station and started on the march not knowing wither we were going, but about 9 O'clock that night we found ourselves on the very ground we fought so hard for on the 17^th of June / last and took up our old position. the movement was merely a change of position between our Corps & the 2^d Corps. we occupy the ground they held & vice versa. my quarters are near the front out of rifle range but within easy range of the enemies cannon but as yet we have been unmolested still I cannot say how soon the Johnnies may take a notion to give a few shell, and make this place to warm for us. there is skirmishing between the pickets & cannonading going on constantly with but few casualties however. we had one man wounded Wednesday but not seriously. a flesh wound just enough to give him thirty days among his friends I almost envy him his good luck / dont get shocked at that it's so

 

            We had another grand time at the Battalion yesterday which was no less than a flag presentation to the Battn. Yes, we were presented with a beautiful stand of colors by the State of Maryland the presentation was made by Brig Genl Berry Adjutant General of the State, quite a number of the leading men of the State were also present; and just as they were departing the enemy opened a mortar battery on our camp and to see the actions of the civilians was laughable to us old Veterans, the place was to warm for them consequently their stay was not very lengthy and I dont think they will care about / visiting us again.

 

            I have received only one of the letters you wrote from Elizabeth and that was not addressed exactly right but it's all the same so long as I got it; The Bible came safely to hand yesterday and I am very much pleased with. You could not have sent me anything I am more in need of and I shall endeavor to better myself through its influence and hope I may succeed. please accept my thanks for the gift; Its too bad you are so anxious to work and cannot obtain any but if you would come out here I think I could get you one of the situations you speak of. what do you think is your fathers reasons for being so much interested in me? I am glad / to hear it though, but I guess he must be pretty tired waiting for that letter I promised to write him last winter when I saw him; what has become of the three old maids.

 

            Remember me to your folks and all inquiring friends and with my love to you I close

                                               

Remaining

Yours forever

Bob

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