Camp near Warrenton Va.

Monday Nov 10^th 62

 

Very dear Mother

                        I believe that I owe you a letter and will give you this one. The last time I wrote it somewhat hurriedly. Indeed you need not expect anything else when when are marching nor need you be alarmed if letters do not come oft or regular for it is only now and then that we can get a mail or a chance of sending a letter. We have not had a letter for a week—and no chance of sending any until today. But then when the mail does come we look for a good lot of letters. Cy. wrote a letter home at Rectorville and gave it to Harry Fulton to mail at Headquarters. He is now attached to a / signal telegraph train—and remains at Headquarters. I would have written at the same time—but was that day ordered by Col. Brooke to report to the Qr. Master for duty—and of course I obeyed. I don't know what my position will be—or whether I will have any permanent position or no—until the commissions come on. Those for Company A have come here—Cap't. Bull being commissioned as Major. There is some apprehension lest Gen Curtin should refuse to commission any more Officers—but consolidate the old companies—and add new companies of drafted men. If he does so it will be doing a great injustice to the old soldiers who have borne the brunt of the war so far, and one to which they will not willingly submit. I like this department very well—Mr. Rick and Serg't Whitney being very fine men. 

 

When marching my place is with the teams—and do not have to carry a knapsack or gun. I am Acting Qr. Master's Serg't—but do not know how long it will last—so you had better say nothing about it.

 

Just a few minutes after I was detailed to the Q.D. an order came to the Capt. to send a noncommissioned officer along with Capt. Mintzer to Harrisburg—for four hundred drafted men to fill up with. Foster was sent. I suppose he will manage to get home. And anything you wish to send can be sent with him. If Charlie Smith—Beam—or Coulter comes before Foster send my boots with them. I need a vest very much—And I wish that Father would either get one made or give Foster money to get me one. I want it made of blue cloth—military style. Either Heim or Dulley or Martin / could make it. Martin or Heim w'd know my size best—but Heim Dulley would make the best one. I don't want it very fine—but serviceable.

 

We have not been paid off yet and don't know when we will be. But there will be the more of it when it does come. I did not get those pictures taken at Harpers Ferry—as we marched before I was ready.

 

I was sorry I did not get seeing Mr. Stouffer longer. Those gloves came just in the nick of time. The butter was very nice—and those peaches that Martha sent were excellent. We enjoyed everything very much.

 

After we left Ashby's Gap—we marched to Rectorville—a small village near the Manasses Gap R. Road—in two days by way of Upperville and Piedmont. We left there on Friday Saturday morning—the train not stretching out till four P.M. Made 11 miles that day—and our teams went into park at eleven P.M. Next day we reached this at four P.M. and went into camp. Yesterday was the first time that I have lost my reckoning so much as to forget that it was the Sabbath day. I did not know it till dark. Oh! how forgetful we are of that God who watches over and directs all things. It is indeed a mercy that God permits any of us soldiers to live. /

 

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Today witnessed the parting of Gen. M^cClellan and his Army. The whole Army was reviewed by him. As he rode past the long lines of troops—his countenance more a sad aspect—and many a brave soldier felt the warm tears trickling his [?] cheeks. He was greeted as he always is, by his men. I never saw more sorrow displayed than was both by Officers and men. The Army loves him—adores him—and if he is removed from the command of this Army by political intrigues woe be to the intriguers! They will suffer someday.

 

Write soon as you can. Much love to all. Is J. S. and Norman at home? Is John coming out this fall? Cy. Davis Wallace are well. May God bless you all

                                                                                   

Affec. Your Son

J. W. Barnett

 

We will likely move on before long

Gen Burnside is in command.

Sumner is back.

 

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Address—3^rd Brig. Hancock's Division

            Couch's Corps—Wash D.C.

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