11/20/1863

 

Camp near Hazel River Va.

 

Dear Dot

                                    Your favors enclosing the wedding cards and also the bundle of 4 papers came duly to hand. Please return my thanks for the latter. Our Regiment is out on Review to day, but as I am on Court Martial, and do not feel very bright, I concluded to write you instead of participating in the ceremonies. A review generally precedes a move and it is generally thought we will not be here many days longer. Where we are to go to, of course we are ignorant. I trust not to the Rapidan, for if we try that river bank, I fear a repulse, and in any event we are not anxious for any more fights this winter. The people at home fancy it to be an easy thing to get up a row, and imagine we are doing nothing unless we are constantly fighting. They little know of the terrible wear and tear of body and soul consequent upon such a campaign as we have had since Oct. 1^st. The effect of such a battle as we had on the 7^th are such that it takes weeks to recover from, even when we can boast of victory. Gen. Russell had his foot slightly wounded during the engagement, and although he did not even mention it at the time, yet he is obliged to leave for home for 20 days. He went on to Washington immediately after we encamped here, and returned day before yesterday to arrange matters prior to / his departure. He found the authorities at Washington determined for another grand fight, before the Army of the Potomac can go into winter quarters. The papers at the North are full of fight. More blood! more blood! is the cry, that comes to our ears from all quarters. Why cannot we have rest? You know I can stand a great deal of fatigue, and my powers of endurance are equal at least to the generality, but I confess I am "played out"—Weary and sick of it. And as I can meet with no one here who is not in a like condition, you can fancy, the want of enthusiasm amongst us. We all dread this winter campaigning. The system becomes exhausted for want of proper food. Discouraged in heart and completely worn down tramping through mud and mire your spirits sink, and your poor body becomes a prey to all sorts of neuralgic or rheumatic pains, or perhaps worse, some violent fever. I have now hardly any rest at night. My eyes are much better, but no sooner do I throw myself upon my hard bed of oak shingles, than the rheumatism begins its work, and like sharp knives it works its way through joint after joint, until I am frequently compelled to sit up in bed to find some degree of comfort. And we are all in the same boat. It is not alarming at all, but it is most confoundedly uncomfortable— /

 

During Gen. Russell's absence, Col. Ellmaker will have command of the Brigade. This pleases us, for we fancy we will not be thrown into the heat of an engagement should we have one before the General's return. Anyhow, it is not our place to lead next move. I trust now that Miss Sallie will be very happy, with her Charles. The revelations she has so long desired will be opened to her eager vision and great will be the rejoicing thereat. I wish the happy pair all felicity in married life, and may there be lots of little "Seussies" to brighten their abiding place.

 

I am sorry to hear of Weidy's troubles. Is there anything between him and Kate? It is none of my affairs I know, but why should the mother inform Kate of such a peculiar disease unless she considered her somewhat interested? I hope he will get well speedily and rejoin us for we miss him. If you see him tell him to write to a fellow. How is Henry's gout? A nice disease for one to get, who lives mostly on grits and hominy. It must be the whiskey. By the way, tell Henry we three poor devils, Saylor Logo and myself, were bemoaning our miserable condition the other day, when we came to the conclusion that we would give $5 apiece for a good bottle of whiskey or brandy if it could be had. Let him think of that when he / takes his tod. Rum is taken by the gallon in certain quarters here. To be perfectly sober is the exception to the general rule. I will such a tale unfold when I see you, as will cause "Your flesh to creep, and each particular hair to stand on end,

 

Like quills upon the fretful porcupine".

 

It is dreadful, and what is worse, is to be under such a set. But, no more grumbling. It gives me the greatest pleasure to hear of the continued good health of the children. It is one of my great comforts. I know there is one bright spot to look to. I trust your cold will not trouble you long. Give my love to your Mother and Uncle Henry, and all the good folks. Remember me to all good friends. Kiss little ones over and over and believe me to remain as ever                                                 

 

Yours devotedly

Andy

 

Nov 20/63                                                       

 

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