Camp in the field

near Moscow Tenn.

Jan'y 28^th 1863

 

Miss. Annie M. Henry

            Sparta Wis.

 

Dearest Annie:—

I should have written to you on Sunday as usual but I thought I would wait a day or two as there was a probability of our getting more mail and I fondly hoped to be among the fortunate ones who should receive some, but I was disappointed, the mail came in about noon but continued nothing for me. We are to have mail again soon however when I trust I shall hear from you. The roads / are still in a very bad condition, in fact they are impassable for heavy artillery, and while they remain so we shall have to stay here. We have been under the impression for a week past that there was no enemy near us in any numbers, but last night about 9 o'clock our pickets were attacked and quite a number of them killed We were just going to bed when the order came to put evry thing in readiness for our attack as the rebel Van Dorn was reported a short distance from us. We went to bewd about midnight fully expecting to be called up before morning by the long roll. This is one of the most harrassing things connected with war. We never know to a certainty when or in / what shape to expect the enemy, and especially when on picket the faithful soldier must be on the alert evry moment, night and day. It is then while standing silent and alone in some fence corner, or some thicket of brush, during the long cold hours of some stormey night that the poor soldier longs for the comforts of his own quiet fireside far from the sciens of war and bloodshed. Is it any wonder that he wishes himself there? I have seen homesickness before but never such as I have seen here. Surely it needs a stout heart and an iron constitution to make a good soldier.

 

            I frankly acknowledge that you was correct dear when you said that you knew I would / like to come home.—No one loves home better and none would come quicker was my duty done here, my lord hasten the day when war and murmurs of war shall be heard no more. Our Chaplain joined us a few days ago, and preached to us on Sunday for the first time since we left Wisconsin. It seemed some little like civilization. Tomorrow evening there will be a prayer meeting, but as I have to go on picket in the morning I shall miss it. While out in the woods darling my thoughts will be with you. may the good Lord bless and protect you.

 

From what I can learn communication is now open from Memphis up the river and I hope you get my letters regularly and without delay. Write as often as you can dear.

 

Give my special regards to all your family, and William when you see them.

                                                                                   

Most Affectionately Yours

Geo. Haw

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