Camp near Little Washington Va

Sunday August 3^rd 1862                    

           

My Dear Friend

                                    After our months rest in Alexandria we are again in active service with the Army of Virginia. We came by rail to Warrenton where we staid a few days and then marched to this place. we are now in Banks Division and under the immediate command of Gen^l Geary Gen^l Tyler our late commander having gone this day to Washington to form a new Brigade Tyler took leave of us a few hours ago in a very affectionate speech, and our new Genl was introduced to us at the same time. Tyler is but a poor affair for a Gen^l and there is very little sorrow felt at his going. This morning we had a grand review of the Division this morning by Gen^l Pope Banks and others. Pope is a solid looking customer of about 200 lbs and has a look which makes one think that his mind is as strong and solid as his body. Old Banks has changed / since I last saw him, then he was as plain and neat as a cadet just from West Point now he wears a dashing uniform the crowning glory of which is a tall crowned broad brim sombrero pinned up at the side, which gives him the air of a brigand or Texan Ranger you would never think of him being plain old Nathaniel from the land of steady habits Pope was complimentary he told us of the 3^rd Brigade that our appearance was the only argument required to convince him that we are the kind of men which he wants to show as a pattern to his Army of Virginia. Whew! thats strong.

 

            I wish you could have been here to witness the review it was really grand. here on the bright and still sabbath morning nearly 20,000 men were gathered in all the "pomp and circumstance of war" in a beautiful little plateau locked in on all sides by the picturesque ranges of the Blue Ridge. the green slopes nearest to us were variegated by fields of ripening grain. beyond, the towering peaks of the main chain stood grand and distinct against the deep blue sky, their dark faces flecked with fleecy / clouds which was rising from the valleys below. After the Gen^l had passed along the lines we were formed in one vast solid square the cavalry and artillery outside and drawn up in line. A caisson was brought to the center, and a chaplain mounted it and read a prayer and delivered an eloquent but short sermon. A fine band executed a few pieces of sacred music, and this ended the review. it was a singular and impressive scene to see that vast multitude reposing on the green sward as quiet and innocent looking as the herds that grazed near them in the meadows, while a single small voice "as of one crying in the wilderness" went up to the Lord of hosts praying that he may be on our side and guide us in all our wanderings

 

            And yet they were ready at a command to break out like a volcano and make these old mountains quake with the thunders and lightnings of war, and destroy every thing which may come in their way, which I hope will be old Stonewall Jackson as one and the first of those things. Little Washington is the county seat of Rocking Rappahannock / county. it is a very small place of about 30 or 40 buildings including the court house and jail. Sperryville is 6 miles farther south Siegel is now there or beyond there with his Division his supply trains are continually passing to and from Warrenton which is the main depot of this department There is considerable sickness in the Division mostly typhoid fever this is what I hear, not what I know

 

            While we were in Warrenton I spent most of my time with the boys of the 9^th N.Y. which is provost guard there. they were all belong to the city, and from them I learned of some of the goings on there since I left

 

            I receive your papers which are all interesting and for them or rather for the continuance of your kindness in furnishing them you will please to again accept my sincere thanks. I am quite well and I have no doubt that in these mountains I am likely to remain so. You will please give Mrs Preston my respects and hoping that your family are all in good health I am my dear friend Yours Very Respectfully

 

James Clarke

 

Mr. E. Preston Brooklyn NY                                                             

           

please address

J. C. Co D. 5^th O.V.I.

Gen^l Banks Division

Army of Virginia

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