A D 1862

March the 4^th

           

Dear Wife i take my pen in hand to let you know how i am hoping that these few lines will find you well as they leave me at present i am at present many miles from you but my affection is stronger than ever our regiment is now on the other side of the city of [faded] we got to the city [faded] morning a little after daylight we got to Baltimore at ten oclock at night then we got supper at midnight we had left Harrisburg Sunday morning and got to Washington on / Monday morning at ten oclock We stayed at Washington till this morning when we marched to what they called Camp stanton about 25 miles from the rebles though i do not think that there is any danger of us going any nearer to the rebles evry hill is covered with our troops around the city there is great difference between this place and Camp Orr it is a week yesterday since we left Kittanning the climate in is warmer here than at Harrisburg there is a very good view of the country We can see for ten miles around there is hard fighting to be yet with the Rebles We had great cheering in the city of baltimore by the citizens of the town though / it was late at night the streets were crowded with people they say in evry place that the 103^rd is the best regiment that has gone to the war & we have not been paid yet and no sign yet i think that we will stay here for a while to drill there is three regiments here with ours there is guards all over the country you can hardly go out of camp without being stopt by a guard they say that the war will be over in a month or two We are to sleep on the bare ground tonight for the first time yet i expected a letter from you before this time you must excuse me for poor writing for i had to put my knapsack on my knee and sit on the ground 

 

direct your letters like the envelop

 

remember that the printing on it is the Co and regiment that i belong only write my name and the name of the city of Washington i will let you know when there will be a change in the direction

 

i wish i was free again for i long to see you again for i feel lonesome without you take care of yourself and make yourself contented

from your affectionate

husband William Rees

to my dearest Wife Mary Rees

           

give my love to father and mother and Sarah

                       

good night

                       

Write soon /

 

[fragment with directions in another hand]

 

William Rees

103 Regt Company B

Camp Reynolds

In Care Capt Gilespie

Washington Citty DC

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