Camp Potomac Creek V^a

March 9^th /63.

 

Sister Lizzie,

                        Yours of Feb 6^th was forwarded from Convalescent Camp on the 7^th and I had the pleasure of reading it last evening. I am glad to learn that all the friends are in good health, and as to my health, of course it is improving or I would not be where I am and I have Aunt to thank for it, for it was the wine she sent me which gave my stomach a healthy tone and started me to get better. There was green apples in the box and dried ones too. I saw Billy Dickson the other day. He is well, is in the 139^th reg^t. So is Temp. Black. I saw him on Friday last I also saw

                                                           

turn over /

Sutherland, alias sheep-pelt of the 140^th reg^t but the redoubtable Wilson Allen I have not had the pleasure of seeing yet. Josh is well, Hurry is home on leave of absence—furlow—I feel far more "at home" since I came to the reg^t though it has changed very much since I left it both in numbers and the character of its members. There is some pretty "hard cracklins" in it now, and Co. F. has its share of them

 

I slept a night with my friend Jno Snyder. He called to see me as he was going home. I am glad he is out of this scrape. He has done his duty to Uncle Sam in full—seen enough & suffered enough. I would advise you to never write to either Sager or Morrow. Curtis Wingar alias Kirk is in good health.

                                               

over again /

            You think me crazy because I am a M^cClellan man, now in my opinion being a M^cClellan man is an evidence of saneness I confess he did not accomplish any thing but was he to blame? I say, and history will one day say no, mark it if you live. Had he got carrying out his plans Richmond would now be ours but you know as well as I that even the Generals under him did not obey orders strictly. Why "Fighting Joe" even, did not go by his orders at Williamsburg. He brought on that battle one day too soon. Had he held of a day longer, then Franklin could have got between the retreating Yorktown army and Richmond via West Point, cut off all chance of them ever falling back to Richmond but through Joe's impetuosity or Franklin's slowness it was a fizzle Mac is not to blame. / this is but one instance of disobedience to orders, by inferior—or under Officers—but I might cite many and what shall I say of the authorities at Washington tampering with Mac and his army? O pshaw! the fact is Mac is the man. He is a misrepresented Officer it is as plain as A.B.C.

 

            I am glad you and said—as you call her—got those bone rings but dont put too high a value on them—they are brittle stuff.

 

            My love & best wishes to Mamma.

 

            Give my love to all the friends and remember me to Albins folks. I would write a letter for your paper but I fear it would not arrive in time so do the best you can yourself. It will be good for you young folks to get drawn over the coals by the Preacher I dont pity you                                                    

 

No more now J. D. Baker

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