Camp Banks

Pleasant Valley August 11^th 1861

                                                                                   

Dear Payrents

I received a letter from Sabrina last Thursday. she sent me a letter that she received from you. I was very glad to hear that you were all well. I saw by your letter that you did not know where I was, but supposed that I was in the Fourteenth Reg^t. I left that Reg^t about five weeks ago and joyned the 12^th Massachusetts Reg^t commanded by Col. Fletcher Webster son of Daniel Webster. the reason why I left the 14^th was because the Governor took our Captain away from us and we would not stand it, and so we broke / up the Company and went into the Webster Reg^t.

 

We left Fort Warren three weeks ago next Tuesday for this place. we arrived here the Saturday following. we have got a very fine Reg^t. I suppose that you have seen accounts in the newspapers about the Webster Regiment. we have some very good Officers indeed. I belong to Company I. Cap^t John Ripley of Stoughton. When we first arrived here we camped within half a mile of Harpers Ferry but cince then we have mooved about four miles further of. we are in Maryland within a short walk of the River Potomac. We have very easy times except when we have to go out on pickett guard that is not very easy I can tell you. 

 

our Company started last thursday on a scouting tour. we went about seven miles. About four out of the seven was the hardest traveling I ever saw. we went on to what is called Maryland Hights it is about two thousand feet above the level of the sea. it is covered with a heavy groath of wood and a large supply of stones. three weeks ago the Secesionists had possesion of the mountain thare is about fifty logg huts which they built besides a large stockade built of loggs. we did not find anything worthy of note. I cant think of anything more to write. you must excuse bad writing for I have nothing to write upon / but a rough board. give my love to all and accept this from

                       

Ever Affect.

Son William Carr

 

P.S. Write as soon as you receive this. Direct your letters to—

                       

William Carr

Company I 12^th Mass

Reg^t Capt John Ripley

 

Capt. John Ripley

 

Albion Barton's brother Bliss is in this Reg^t

 

{Please return this letter}

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