Camp near Fairfax Court House Va.

June 25^th 1863

 

My dear Dot

                                    Here I am back with the Regiment after an 8 days tramp after it. I have been fortunate though throughout. In my letter to Henry I stated I am to take the boat to Alexandria, and from there, the cars to Fairfax Station, and thence march to the Corps. But just as we were arranging to start the 2 Massachusetts 10^th Officers met a sutler from their Division, who had gone into Washington with his team, and not having his papers with him could not get a pass to return over the river. He offered to take us to our Regiments if we could get a pass for him and his team. This was just the opportunity to jump at, so I hurried to the Provost Marshall's Office and got the necessary papers, and off we started. It is about a 20 miles ride from Washington, / and we reached camp about 7 o'clock. The boys received me with hearty cheers and the Officers from the Col. down seemed to be glad to have me back. The Regiment looks well though the boys have had hard service. They are in good spirits. Our whole Corps is lying between this place and Centreville about 5 miles off. The whole country around us is desolate, as you will remember, it has been the scene of many a battle in the early part of the Rebellion. But a short distance off is Chantilly where Kearney fell. There are miles of old rifle pits around us which have been occupied by both armies time after time. Fairfax city, at one time of considerable pretensions is a wretched looking place now, more than half of it being in ruins. How long we will remain here we cannot say. There are various rumors about us, but all is uncertainty— / It is not thought that the Rebs are around here in any force. Our Cavalry are out on scouting expeditions almost every day and bring in many prisoners.

 

                                    I am sorry to say, there is not much better feeling between the Col. and the line Officers. He is pretty cross and is emphatic about resigning, but I think it is all "bosh"—I think though it will not be very pleasant here, and if I can I shall work for something else for I do not like these petty squabbles particularly when I feel that all of us endeavor to do our duty.

 

                                    But I must hurry this through for the mail. I have not much trouble with my leg, but I will not go on duty for a few days. I shall soon be in good marching time again.

 

                                    Give my love to all / and remembrances to kind friends. Write soon and tell me all the news. Kiss little ones over & over for me and believe me to be as ever

                                                                       

Yours devotedly

Andy

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