Hall Hill Virginia

Friday Sept 5. 1862

 

Aunt Hannah.              As I have a little time to spend I thought I would write to you as I promised you that I would as soon as I got to the regiment. It is three weeks today since I left Boston I arrived here night before last (wednesday evening Sept 3^d) about nine oclock Instead of finding a thousand men in the regiment as when I left it six months there is only about 150 men able to do duty I was told by one of the men that when they / arrived here Wednesday after the retreat from Manassas that they stack arms with 112 guns. this company is now commanded by Orderly Sargent Upton it is the largest Co in the regiment having in all thirty men. I have not seen Wesley Howlett yet. he was left at Harrison's Landing with the wagon train Henry Kridder is sick in some hospital John Powers (Frances Monroe husband) is detailed to work in the hospital.

 

Keniston is sick in some hospital Capt Burt is acting Col of the regiment Col Wilson was here yesterday, he said that Capt Wentworth was coming back to take command of this company if he does I think he will not meet with a very pleasant reception. 

 

            The men in the regiment have no knapsacks or clothes except what they have got on their backs some I have seen with nothing but a pair of pants and blouse on.

 

            Of the 11 men that I tented with last winter only one is now with the company

 

The rebels yesterday afternoon drove our pickets in about two miles but before any of our regiments could get to them they had (skedaddled) and left. none of our men were hurt. I must now close I am enjoying good health and I hope this will find you all the same Give my love to Uncle Amos and Linnie Write as soon as you get this.

                       

From your Nephew John H Hone

 

Direct to John—

22 Regt Mass Vol 2 Co S Shooters

Washington D.C.

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