Head-Quarters Third Maryland Battalion,

Veteran Volunteer Infantry.              

 

February 26^th 1865

Sunday Evening 10 O'clock

           

My dear Hester

                                    Your kind favor of the 22^d inst came safe to hand this morning and I hasten to answer it and comply as near as possible with your request to write as long letters as I like and as often as possible.

 

            What a succession of victories our armies have met with since the first of January; indeed I think our cause never looked so bright, and every loyal heart in the north must be with us now in earnest and a few months more will see the end of this unnatural struggle; deserters from the enemy are coming into our lines at an alarming rate we have had sixty-five come into our Brig line during the past week and that you know is only a very small portion of our lines; they all report that the Rebels are preparing to evacuate this line and probably Richmond; our men are watching them sharply, and if the event does take place they / will not get much the start of us, as we are under marching orders and ready to move at one hours notice; on Friday we fired a shotted salute in honor of the capture Wilmington all along our lines which extend some forty-seven miles; Our Army is in excellent spirits and to add to their good humor, the paymasters are here and commenced paying off; indeed, taking all things into consideration I think we have great cause to be thankful.

 

The medicine you speak of for the diarrhea I will be very thankful for as the season is fast approaching when I will need it most. I all most dread the approach of summer on that account; but I intend to take very good care of myself and thus hope not to be troubled so much with it.

 

            I heard of your visit to New York through one of Garries letters I hope that you enjoyed yourself, but you do not say how my folks used you, so I am inclined to think that they were not any too cordial to you. 

 

            I had quite a grand time on the 22^d. I went to a concert at Broadway Landing on the Appomattox River, some seven miles from my camp; the only thing that was required to make it alright was the presence of some of the fair sex, which is a very scarce article out here.

 

            I am really sorry that your finger troubles you so long. I was in hopes that it would be entirely well ere this but I see I was mistaken. but felons are very troublesome things they must have their course, and nothing can be done for them except to relieve the pain. however I hope when next I hear from you you will be entirely well; My health is very good at present. Garrie and Col Robinson send their kind regards so with my respects to your folks and love to you                     

 

I remain

Yours devotedly

Bob

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