Camp 19^th USC Infty.

Near Poplar Spring Church Va

October 22^nd 1864

 

            It is Saturday and as there is no drill or fatigue to day I avail myself of the opportunity to write a few letters to friends at home and will begin by writing a few lines to you.

 

            Everything here is quiet and the weather delightful and the troops in excellent health and spirits, and this recollect on the south side of Petersburg where according to rebel prognostics the terrible malaria arising from the swamps was going to sweep into untimely graves every yankee spared by rebel bullets.

 

            But this like other predictions from the same source was only intended by the managers of the rebellion to deceive still further their blind followers and give them courage to hold on a little while longer, untill after the Presidential Election when, it was hoped, if their northern allies by the help of those whom they could lure into the support of their candidates, by the revered name of democracy, could succeed in electing M^cClellan (whose nomination was received with cheers in the rebel trenches) / their cause would be secured and the best and only free Government on earth overthrown.

 

            The recent state elections have proved beyond a doubt if any existed before the result of the pending political contest

 

            A dispach was received here yesterday from Genl Sheridan in the valley saying he had met and routed the rebels, capturing 50 pieces of artillery wagons ambulances caissons &c with over 1600 prisoners, with a prospect of picking up many more as the defeat was a perfect rout and the rebels were retreating in the greatest confusion.

 

The news was recd here with cheers which it is safe to presume was not the most delightful music to the ears of the Johnnies over the way

 

            The rebels are hard pushed from all quarters. A while ago it was announced by rebel papers for the edification of their sympathizers abroad, that Hoods army had their "claws" exactly where they wanted them on Shermans line of communications, but when Sherman advanced in that direction he soon took his "claws" off fearing perhaps, like the poor bird in the fable that his "claws" might become entangled and not be able to get off at all. I suppose as Election draws near you are beginning to get up some excitement / in the way of stump speaches &c. I would like to be there on election day to give "old Abe" my vote but (as public notables say whose names are placed on every programme for a public demonstration merely to draw a crowd, as they never intend to appear) "Circumstances beyond my control will prevent"

 

            I understand Carlos was wounded in Butlers last fight north of the James and is among the missing and supposed to have been taken prisoner.

 

            My health is good never better since entering the service. I have a log house 6 x 9

 

covered with four shelter tents, which resemble more than anything else hay cops; have a fire place in it made of mud and sticks which is a very nice arrangement as the weather is quite cool though probably not so cold as in Colebrook

 

            I have a bed made of pine boughs spread on slim pine poles and plenty of soldiers blankets.

 

            My house is well furnished with a table made of hard tack boxes and seats of the same material so you see I am quite comfortably situated

 

            We shall probably be sent somewhere else before long. we have been in this place about 8 weeks which is longer than we usually stop in a place

 

            We have the entrenchments nearly completed and are having regular drills now which are very much / needed as we have many recruits who have never been drilled only with the ax spade and pick

 

            The Govt is very prompt in filling up these regiments I wish they could fill up others as promptly

 

            Please write every opportunity as letters from home are always acceptable. Hoping this may find you and all friends in health &c. I remain yours as ever

                                                                                                           

F. K. Fletcher

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