Camp Gove

Near Falmouth Virginia

Wednesday. May 13. 1863.

 

Aunt Hannah.

 

                        Your letter has been received I was glad to hear that you were all getting better. I cant say that I am in the best of health for I am tired and sore footed. since I last wrote we have march a good many miles (90) fought a hard battle, gained nothing but once more retreated to this camp from which we have three times unsuccessfully attempted to leave. we left this camp a fortnight ago last / Monday and got back here last Saturday. we were the first brigade upon the battle field and the last to leave it (in the retreat we were the rear guard of the army) we were not in the hottest of the fighting, though we were used as skirmishers, or picket and scouting about from one place to another. we had two of this company killed by shells. ("the rebs dont seem to care where there shells drop")

 

I think that Gen. Hooker had some good plans laid but the 11^th Corps broke and run and gave the rebs possession of the plank road which caused our retreat.

I think the loss of the rebs must have been larger than ours we took a good many / prisoners. one of them says to me (you aint such bad men as I thought you were) another said that he had been a commission officer, got his discharge, and as soon as he got home was drafted and put into the ranks. they seem to be as tired of this war as we are, and long for the close, though they think it will last as long as Abe Lincoln is President.

 

We have to carry eight days rations besides our tents and clothing which is no very small load to carry through mud, ford rivers, climb hills, and double quick every other mile, with drunken officers on horses to lead off.

 

I expect we shall move soon some think that we are going across the river again, but if we do I am afraid there will be / some skedadling among our soldiers.

John Williams has got back Capt Wentworth is about played out. he has been in the hospital for a month. I expect he will have his discharge soon. I shall be glad for one. Wesley is well. I must now close with the hope that this will reach you in safety. Give my love to Linnie Do you ever show my letters to any one I want you to burn them as soon as read, and you will please you Nephew.

                                                                       

John H Hone

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