Sunday Morning        

Loudon Hights Octr 26^th

 

Dear Marshall

                        I sit down to write you a few lines to inform you that I have just received the box.

 

            All the articles are in good order except the cheese which is quite lively. they all came in good time, as we are on the eve of a march. permit me to again thank you and Mr Preston for your kind attentions. You are laying me under obligations which I am afraid I will never be able to repay.

 

            Yesterday we received orders to be ready to march at 10 A.M. but the order was again countermanded this morning another order came for to be ready at a moments notice to march with 2 days rations / but I am pretty sure we will not start before to-morrow.

 

I understand there is a movement of troops down the other side of the Potomac to day, it is likely we will follow. I have no idea of our destination but I think there will be a gathering of forces at Leesburg or centerville for a move southward. We may go through Snickers Gap and then on to Leesburg, which will save us the trouble of crossing the Potomac again. if there is an army organized east of here I am thinking Burnside will be in command of it.

 

            there exists great excitement in our Division about the reported consolidation of the decimated Reg^ts of Ohio troops. if this should take place there will be a lively time as the men are much against it / Many are enlisting in the Regulars to the great alarm of many of the Officers who are afraid of losing their positions. we are looking anxiously for pay day. we are expecting 4 months pay on the 1^st Nov. but I think that we will then be in the midst of active operations, and that will be an excuse for the Paymaster to put us off for another 2 months.

 

The weather of late has been cold last night the wind went round to the northeast and brought some thick weather with it. a steady rain has set in, the first since we came here. I think the good weather has left us and that we will have an ugly time if we march.

 

            but I hope our change will be for the better. one thing is certain we cant find a more uncomfortable place than the Top of Loudon / to day our camp is wrapped in clouds, and one can hardly see the length of himself. I mailed a letter to Mr Preston day before yesterday. I would like to hear from you as soon as convenient tell some of them folks to send me a letter who have time to write. anything will be interesting and I will stand the expense. I will write so soon as I have some news to tell you. my health is good I hope you and your family are well my love to them all

                                                                       

Yours Affectionately

James Clarke

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