New Broad Run Va Apr 29^th 1864

 

Dear Sister

 

We left our camp near Alexandria Va. where I last wrote on the 27^th. When I then wrote I told you that it was rumored we were to take transports for Fortress Monroe but we have found out our mistake. The first day we marched to Fairfax Court House and camped just this side of the town. Yesterday we took up our march again and passed through Centreville and old Bull Run battle ground and forded the Bull Run stream and passed Manassas Junction then went into camp near Broad Run. The country through which we / passed is almost entirely deserted. There are but few rail fences left. The cars run out here from Washington and I do not know how much farther. We do not know where we are going. One report is that we are going to Fredricksburg and then "On to Richmond" by that route while the Army of the Potomac goes some other way. Another story is that we are going to Brandy Station but I do not know where that is exactly. The reason I write now is that we shall have a chance to send letters tomorrow we are told and as I have a little spare time I thought I would write. We packed up our duds expecting to move this morning but the order has just been countermanded and the boys are all pitching their tents again. The 11^th Mass. battery is attached to our Corps. That is the one Charlie Harlow / used to belong to I believe you said. How I wish he was alive that I might have the pleasure of his company.

 

I am well and the rest of the Harvard boys likewise excepting some have got colds. When you write please tell me what company of the 22^nd Henry Adams is in and to what corps he belongs. I may run across him out here somewhere. If I have time and anything of interest occurs I will add before the mail goes out I will add more to this letter but for the present I guess this will do.

                                                                                               

From your brother

E. W. Stacy.

 

Ap. 29^th. Evening.

We did move a little ways to-day about half a mile or so just to get a good camp ground. We expect to stay here a short time. 

 

This is Bristoe Station where we now are. Probably you have heard of it through the newspapers. There is a bridge over Broad Run which we shall have to guard. Our brigade only is stationed here and one battery. The rest of the Corps is stationed at different points on the railroad. Burnside's headquarters are at Warrenton. We relieved the Pennsylvania Reserves when we came and they have gone on to the front. I do not expect we shall have this job long as it seems to me that Burnside is to valuable a General to be guarding railroads. We shall be very thankful for the favor however as long as it lasts.

                                                                                               

From your brother

E. W. Stacy.

 

P.S. May 1^st                                                                                        

I did not have a chance to send my letter as we changed camp yesterday. We are now stationed at Knoxville about three miles from Bristoe on the railroad guarding it. I have not time to write more now as I have got to go on guard.

E.W.S.

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