Edward's Ferry Md. Apr. 18^th/'63

                                                                                                           

Dear Mother:

We have been under marching orders for some time but no one knew where we were going untill last night about eight Oclock, just as we were going to bed, the Capt called us into line and told us to pack our knapsacks, all but our blankets and be ready to strike tents at six Oclock this morning, if the weather was favorable.

 

            Every one was astir early this morning, and Roll call at five, breakfast shortly after and every thing in readiness to strike tents in an instant, if the order came.

 

            But signs of rain, which were visible last night, had increased and after waiting, in suspense, nearly two hours, the order to march was countermanded untill better weather. 

 

            The Reg't. is to be divided: three Cos. remain here Viz. Co. A, Co. B, Co. E. Co. F. and D. are going up river, D. to stop opposite Balls Bluff, F. to go to Conrades Ferry four or five miles above here.

 

            Since leaving Camp Grover we have been the Color Co. consequently if justice was done we should have Hd. Qts. with our Co. But by some means, our Co. is placed at the extreme right and some of the right Cos. remain at Head Quarters.

 

            Capt. Hiss commands one of the Cos. that remain and it is thought, or finally, our Capt told us, that he thought if we had been in Co. Ks. (Capt Hiss) place and they been in ours we should have gone where we go now.

 

            Considerable indignation is felt, among our officers and men, about it. / We shall go the first fair day, I presume. By the last mail I received one letter from you and two others, with the Maine Farmer and strawberries.

 

            It is very gratifying to receive such little luxuries from home, not more on account of their excellence than the assurance that they convey, that we have friends who remember us.

 

            By one of the letters, I heard you had carried my box over the river, so I suppose it is on the way before this time. I am sorry that I did not think to send for my razor, but I can get along very well without it.

 

            I think Winfield had better hire a hand to help him through springs work and get in as much as possible, for there is a prospect that produce of all kinds will be in good demand I would earnestly recomend this. / Get in as much India wheat and barley as possible; and if possible trim the orchard a bit. I wish I could be here and there too. this summer I feel as though I could work like a small locomotive. I think I never felt better, or more like work.

 

            The weather begins to seem more like summer, and the grass and grain begin to grow, but the leaves do not start very fast. The boys are in good spirits, and there is not but little sickness. We have been looking for the pay master since the 1^st of March but I begin to think we shall not see him untill the 29^th of June

 

I saw a black snake yesterday: the first one that I ever saw. It was nearly five feet long. I suppose they will be more pleanty now warm weather has come. I shall write again as soon as we get settled down.                                                          

J. F. Libby

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