Head Quarters Me. Sixth Regt. Vol.
Camp Advance, Alexandria Co. Va. Sept 26/61
Dear Folks at Home
As Lieut Stone is about starting for home I thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you to home are the same. I have been to buisy lately that I have not had a chance to answer Willies letter but will as soon as I can get an opportunity. I guess that Isaac must have forgoten me as I have not heard from him for some time and only received one letter from him sence I left Portland. We have had some prety smart skirmishes with the enemy in this vicinity sence we have been here, and as they have been published in the papers I suppose you have seen an account of them. We were out yesterday and brought in with us a lot of cattle, Hay, grain, sheep & other things which were very nourishing to the army. We were attacted by the rebles at 10 o'clock, by the firing of shells from their batteries, but they were soon silenced and drove back. at four o'clock they renewed the attact which was kept up for two hours. / The reble force was estimated at ten thousand. A and I should think the Union force was as large, for as far as you could see it was a solid mass of troops. this was an artillery battle. there was five Companies of our regiment in it, viz. A.B.C.D. & F we were supported by 12 pieces from Sherman's Campbells battery. I have not heard of any being kill yet. their shells were so badly thrown that they would burst before reaching us. We having gray clothing like the "secesh", was placed in the rear as a reserve. for if we had been placed in advance, there was a great deal of danger, in being fired into by our own troops. I will tell you more particulars in my next. I have not got time to write any more
Enclosed you will find $5.00 U.S. note which you can get it exchanged any where, for sliver or gould gold. We were paid off last tuesday up to Aug. 31.
Write as soon as you can get this. please excuse this for it is writen in a hurry. I shall write by male soon, and of more more particulars
From your Son
J. T. Bradbury