Camp in the field between Williamsburg & West Point V^a

 

Sabbath, May 11^th /62.

            Sister Lizzie—Our army is resting to-day, and I embrace the time to answer yours containing the stamps, for which I am thankful. There are no stamps here at all but money is not scarce. The reason of there being no stamps is only because our supply is out and on a march it is impossible to resuscitate, there being other things to think about; such as "grubb"&c

 

But the stamps came in good place. I got them this morning. O! I'm so glad you all get along so well I thank you for your reprimand with regard to the "Exemplary Miss M.J.T." It is nothing more than I expected of you should you come to hear of me writing to her—You know as far as possible I am a man of my word & having promised to write to her I will let that stand for that. 

 

Lizzie I now know by experience something of the "Horrors of war". I have seen the battle-field and met the enemy twice, and believe me, it is as tough a place as words can express. I do not wish to see such a sight as Williamsburg field again. God has blessed me with singularly good health, for which I am thankful, for O! the army is no place to be sick. I am glad M^cClarkin thinks so much of me as to remember me in his prayers, and I hope you do the same. I wrote Mother a few lines on a secesh sheet the day after burying the dead and it was written in a hurry. I suppose it is full of mistakes.

 

Jno Snyder & Josh are both well and we are in good heart. This country has fine soil but the curse of slavery is is visible on it.  houses are built just like Moon's at Aunt Mary Jane's only the chimnies are built on the out side. They are all deserted and a white flag flung out at the gate. 

 

Gen. M^cClellan rode along the lines yesterday and of all the cheering! He rode at an easy gallop, hat in hand, so I got a good view of him. He is a muscular man of medium height with whiskers & mustache of the colour of mine and about the length which mine were when at home. His eyes are piercing and his forehead high, but he does not fill my eye for a Gen as well as Jameson. Jameson is a noble looking man

 

This is not a very big letter and I suppose you will "not very interesting either"—I would like to give you a history of the evacuation of Yorktown, the fight at Williamsburg and the news in general but you will see it all in the papers and it is enough for me if I tell you how I am, and how I get along. Dont forget to write often and I will write either to you or to Uncle's as often as I can. 

 

Lizzie you think I would be likely to blame "Parkses" for the gossip about M.J.T. O! no I do not I know better than that. But it was Aunt Mary Jane, she was up to see you a short time ago Dont fool yourself I never had anything to do with Mag or in fact any one for some time before I left home, But certain I am even Kate is not much worse than a "bar tender", so there is no use in casting up things past. I have spoken plainly but conscientiously, Dont be offended; perhaps I have spoken too sharply. O! yes! I forgot to tell you that shortly after you sent M^cCrums my address I got a letter from Ike & Mary but I never answered them. Give my love to Uncle's folks and tell M^c I'll write to him as soon as I can               

 

No more, your Brother J. D. Baker

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