Near Rockville Md

Sept 9^th 1862

 

My Dear Friend

                        I received yours of the 20^th on day before yesterday so you see the mails are not up to time in these parts. I write this to let you know of my whereabouts. since Pope left the Rapidan we have been continually on the go. during the fighting on Rappahannock and Bull Run we were on the extreme left and were not actively engaged. we have been under arms since we left Culpeper. last night I slept under cover the first time in three weeks. After leaving Fairfax Station our Brigade struck out for the Richmond turnpike and after a march of 30 miles came in sight of the Potomac 12 miles below Alexandria some of Kearneys troop were with us. We then came through Alexandria and crossed the Potomac at Georgetown and here we are now about 11 / miles from Washington. our batteries are in position and the Infantry have been in line of battle 2 days in a commanding range of hills west of Rockville 1½ miles. Yesterday a large number of troops passed going west Sumners Corps is here. we have orders to move and will be off in an hour or two which way I cant tell I did not receive the box Marshall sent me I suppose it is in Washington and I will get it as soon as I can. I understand that Jackson is across the river above here if so there will soon be warm work for somebody. things on our side look bad, such confusion I never saw, what will come of it is hard to tell. I still have confidence in our strength but none in the way in which it is applied if we would have success we must have better management I have been unwell for a few days but I am still able to keep up with the Reg^t. I hope by taking it easy for a few days to be all right again soon. I got papers also Marshalls letter of 21^st please accept my thanks for favors

in haste Yours James Clarke

 

Mr E. Preston                                      

 

[margin]

 

My thanks to Marshall for his kindness

 

[front side margin]

 

You must excuse this bad writing &c I am sitting in the sun, my knee and one of your papers for a desk, all the materials except the paper borrowed, and in a hurry at that

 

I send this via M. as I do not now rem^br your number

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