In camp at Uptons Hill

Sept. 10 1862       

      

My dear wife

            I am here with my whole regiment (except that 4 companies are out on picket) and am getting fat & hearty on it.

 

            The first night all hands of us slept out on the ground—the regiment having but just moved to this place from Miners Hill about two miles off but the next day I ordered up some tents and now have one which I share with the Major & the Doctor.

 

            The men were pretty well used up but are now getting into better condition having a little better rations. They have not been in any battle although they have been sailing all about the edges of them. The three new companies which joined here had more men than the other seven but the missing ones are composed of all sorts of sick stragglers & some few who have been taken prisoners & have been paroled.

 

            Lieut Hooper who is on the Ambulance Corps was taken prisoner but got off without parole on / the plea that he was a sort of medical officer! He does not seem to have had a very bad time of it while in their hands.

 

            Col Prescott is in command of a camp of deserters & stragglers down by Alexandria & has not reported yet.

 

            Capt Drapers resignation has been accepted.

 

            I have a new horse the old Mack being pretty much used up. Mr Cobbs horse is suffering from a galled back but is doing as well as could be expected. My new one is a second edition of Geo Alexander buckskin. Have seen Sawtelle who is promoted. He is in Washington. This is a considerable improvement on Harrisons Landing but tough any way.

 

            Sheppard is acting Adjt. Hoyt is well and strong. The new companies awkward—the old ones listless. I expect that we shall be pitched back into Washington in a day or two and perhaps be located there for a year or two.

 

            What a charming government is ours.

 

            Tell Mr Cobb the news & believe me altho I write hastily to love you heartily &c good night.

                       

Affy Yours                                         

Fran^s J Parker

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