Camp near Warrenton Va

Oct. 21^st 63             

                

My dear Dot

                                    I dare say you will be surprised to find by the heading that we are back at our old quarters. We "have squared the circle" to some purpose. We have hard duty since we left this place, marching day and night, often on short rations. Hard picket duty, digging intrenchments and other duties of lighter importance, have nearly worn us down. However our Corps did not get into any trouble. It was more severe upon our Officers in proportion to number, than on our men. Many of them broke down and at one time we had five in the ambulance. Two of them have rejoined us. The others among whom is Weidersheim have gone on to Washington. I think I wrote you that he had chills and fever. What Gen Meade will do with us now is the next question. We will probably rest here two or three days at least I hope so, for we all need it. We were fagged out, hungry ragged and dirty. We were out in the rain dust and mud and for 2 weeks did not see our wagon train to obtain any change. We are pretty much disgusted with the service, but in the course of 2 or 3 days all will be forgotten and we will be as jolly as ever. I am now the fortunate owner of a horse. For some time we have had a strong inclination to gobble one, to carry our tents and baggage, for du / ring all our march we had not either, sleeping out in all the rain and mud. Well! 2 of the deserters from my Company got away from the guard and straying to the rear of the Army, General Buford mounted them, put sabres in their hands and sent them into the fight with his cavalry. When the fight was over, he sent them back on the horses to their Company. They presented me with the horses and saddles and I kept the best. A raw boned black steed, but having a very good frame to build quite a respectable animal on. Now we can always have our comforts with us. I hope I will get my box here. How will the beef eat do you think? I am anxious about it. And I wonder if it will spoil the other things? I guess not. Not the dry goods anyhow. I am much obliged to you for your promptness in sending it. I was very much worried about Amy until I received your last favor at Centreville. I do hope she is better by this time. I have not yet received Dr. Wilson's letter, which you say he wrote. I suppose he is pretty much incensed at his brother, but he cannot understand all about military matters. The mails have been of course have been very irregular since we left the Rapidan. This may explain the delay.

 

                        We have just gone into camp here and / I wish you could take a peep at us. It is nearly sunset. The nice rows of tents, the men busy fixing up their homes, the Commissary Sergeants issuing fresh beef to greedy mouths and Officers strolling about gossiping, make up an attractive picture. And to come to our tent, I am on the ground writing this on a piece of cracker box. Benny arguing some point in Pennsylvania Dutch with some of his Company, Logo smoking his pipe unconcernedly, Crossett cooking potatoes and ham for supper, and our old black horse eyeing us with a melancholy air. All very nice while it lasts, but it may be in the course of a half hours time, "Pack up boys, we will march at once", and then heavy knapsacks will be slung on aching backs, and with weary steps and many an inward "damn" at our hard lot, we may be seen winding our weary way over the hills. 20 miles a day is now no uncommon affair, and we dont think we earn our pay, if we make less than 15—

 

Well, well. I wish it were all over, that is if it were well over. Such a sad scene as Virginia presents I am sure never existed anywhere. It is melancholy. No life anywhere, all desolate, nothing cultivated, stubbed of everything eatable, what are the people here to do? Starve. / Their punishment will be greater than they will be able to bear. About that matter you spoke of I will write when I have time and feel like thinking. At present I am tuckered if you know what that is. Give my love to all in the house. Remember me to all kind friends. Kiss little ones over and over for me and believe me to be as ever

                                                                                   

Yours devotedly,

Andy

SOURCES