Camp at Leesburg Va.                       

2 P.M. June 22^nd 1863.

 

Dear Marshall

                                    We left Fairfax Court House the day after I wrote from there and arrived here on the evening of the 18^th

 

            I have but little news to give you Our corps seems to be detached from the main army. I have not seen any other corps for over a week nor do I know where they are.

 

            Gen^l Slocum's headquarters is in town and the troops are divided along the hills which surround the place and which offers a first rate position for defense

            Several forts constructed by the secesh crowns the most prominent hills and are now occupied by our troops

 

            between here and the river—which is distant about 2 miles—occurred the disaster of "Balls Bluff" marks of the struggle are still visible on the field / a pontoon bridge now spans the river and if we should be worsted here I think there is no danger of our being drove into the water as Gen^l Stones men were.

 

            The Alexandria and Loudon Co R.R. passes our camp within a few yards it runs a few miles past town to its terminus the rails are all on it yet and I think that if we remain here it will be put in running order and used for transportation of supplies.

 

            The citizens of Leesburg are strong secesh and speak freely of running the blockade into Maryland for supplies, but that is stopped for a time now. the place has not suffered much from the appearance of the country. this section is the richest agricultural district east of the Ridge the crops look promising since the late rains—which we had for 2 days after our arrival / from the elevated ground near us we can see the blue crests of the Blue Ridge near Harpers Ferry—distant 21 miles—but no sound of firing can be heard in that direction so I suppose all is quiet there.

 

            Yesterday there was heavy firing heard to the southwest but we have not heard what it was about I am of the opinion that our army stretches from Centerville westward and our position is on the right flank to keep it from being turned and prevent the enemy from getting this position and the fords near it, which would be invaluable to them should they contemplate a movement in force on Maryland

 

            All of our trains are up with us and we are taking things very comfortably. the rains cooled the hot air of last week and consequently helped us amazingly /

 

I write with a hope that this will reach you soon. the mail leaves here at 3 P.M.

 

            I reced yesterday a few lines from Mr Preston.

 

            tell him I did not pay express on that $30. You will please pay the 50 cts outlay which Mr Preston paid the Express if you have not done so already I recd a lot of papers from him also and one from you of the 20^th

 

            I am quite well. please give my respects to all I will try and write again soon

                                                                       

Yours in haste

James Clarke

 

no time to correct mistakes

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