Camp of 5^th Regt O.V.I.

Bolivar Heights near Harpers Ferry, Novr 28^th

 

My Dear Sister                                               

I received your welcome and interesting letter of the 3^rd. My only excuse for not answering sooner is the great want of news in these parts, and my not being in a writing humor. Nothing of great importance has occurred at this Post since my last. the change of camp from Loudon to this one was very much in our favor. here our camp is somewhat sheltered, consequently warmer.

 

            During Jacksons stay near winchester there were some hopes and fears of him attacking us. the timid looked at his superior numbers and feared him. others with more pluck swore that they would shoot the first that would cry surrender and felt confident in holding the place against any numbers. So long as provisions and ammunition lasted he has evidently made up his mind not to favor us with a call. on the 8 inst we marched out of camp before daylight in company with a large force under Gen^l Geary on a reconnaissance toward Winchester. we went 4 miles beyond Charlestown. We picked up about 20 prisoners and routed out about 150 cavalry out of their nest near Charlestown. the inhabitants of the place received with very sour countenances and to make it worse some of our Regiment started the John Brown Hymn in which they introduced / the threat of "hanging Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree &c" much to the disgust of that gentlemans admirers in C. and they are numerous. I could not help thinking of the change in the scene since that poor mistaken old man was executed here, much to the delight of these same citizens. the field in which he was executed was planted in corn field last year. the country we passed through was fertile and there was an abundance of forage to be seen in the fields, showing that the secesh army could not be very badly off for it or they would not have left it for our use. the other day I visited a cave on the bank of the Potomac which runs into the hill about 300 yards in it I am told John Brown and his party secreted themselves previous to their attack on Harpers Ferry. From the 15^th to the 23^rd our Brigade and 2 guns were out daily protecting woodchoppers who were engaged cleaning a belt of timber which covered a rising ground along our front which offered shelter for the enemy in case of an attack. every morning on our advance the enemys pickets would fall back and keep on the watch. on one or two occasions they came up and entered into conversation with us, but at very long range. one day two of the 1^st Va Cavalry (their crack Reg^t formerly Stuarts) and two of our Reg^t agreed to meet half way without arms and have a chat, which was done, the parties meeting in an open field. Some of our boys in ambush kept an eye on the party through the double sights / in case anything should go wrong. Geary hearing of this familiarity put a stop to it lest it should be carried too far. On the 21^st 2 of the 7^th Ohio went out against orders, and being without arms were taken by a small squad of the cavalry. Every day is adding strength to this position. fatigue parties from the command are continually at work on new works of defence on Maryland Loudon and Bolivar Heights. a new work has recently been thrown up on the left of these heights called fort Geary, and two more are in course of construction between it and the Shenandoah. Yesterday there was a trial of some heavy guns from a new work on the southern point of Maryland Heights. they threw heavy shells over Loudon and I saw them bursting in our old camp, which goes to show that whoever holds the first commands the latter, but to give you a clear idea of the purpose and disposition of the means of defence it would be necessary to furnish you with a map containing them If I have time I will endeavor to make out one and send it to you. The Major of our Reg^t has gone to Ohio for the purpose of bringing out enough men to fill up our ranks again. Whether he will get them or not is another thing. many of our wounded are again returning from the hospitals. Our 1^st Lieu^t who was wounded at Cedar M^t has returned. he was shot through the arm. the wound / is not healed yet and the limb will be useless. He is now Captain. this command is now wishing and waiting for the arrival of the Paymaster some of the men have not been paid since april 12^th and none of them since June 30^th

 

The operations of our grand armies seems to be very problematical just now. And as I hate problems, the said problems least interest me. I suppose it is heavy strategy again. A military necessity of a masterly ritual will come next. I am in hopes that our great men will make a mistake and do right by accident one of these days. I see by yours that the elite of Gotham are still "Gay and Happy". I have thought of what a disorderly retreat there would be from the Mall in the park if the "Alabama" would drop up the Hudson and and introduce as a windup or grand finale to some of the grand musical entertainments a half a dozen 9 inch shells I imagine that it would be quite as startling as the sledgehammer chorus solo in the anvil chorus. I was glad to hear of Mr Odell still being alive and well. that inundation of letters you spoke of has not set in yet. yours was the last I received. the weather here has been variable of late. snow, frost, rain &c the river still continues low notwithstanding the late storms. our Brigade is engaged constructing warm quarters as though they intend to stay here. But there is no telling how long we will enjoy them there is some talk of opening the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. again at an early date, and of a Brigade being sent from this place for the protection of the road between here here and Martinsburg about 20 miles from here. My health is good I hope your family circle are all well. my kind regards to Marshall and Mr and Mr^s Preston. I shall be happy to hear from you again soon if convenient you need not be afraid of writing too often to

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

James Clarke

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