Camp near Chain Bridge

Va. May 20^th/63

 

Dear Mother:

         I received Windfield's letter which was mailed the 14^th Inst. last Saturday (16^th) and one from Carthage at the same time.

 

            I should have answered before but I was detailed for picket the next day and did not come off untill yesterday and then we had an inspection in the afternoon so I had to put my gun in order and did not get time to write.

 

            Doing picket duty here is somewhat different from that which we did last winter.

 

            We cannot keep a fire during the night so as to reveal ourselves to the rebs and the orders are very strict. I was stationed with at the junction of two roads and directly in front of a mans house I had three men with me. What should you think if you had a guard in front of the house and had to get a pass before you could go to the neighbors?

 

            I understand that one of the natives near our picket line says that he has shot 20 pickets himself. He had better be careful to whom he makes that statement. A short time since a union scout was taken from his bed by a Gurrilla band and hung. It was but a short distance from here. Our clothes of which I wrote, did not go home but are stored in the city and will go home with us /

 

            We are going to carry our arms home to Portland and shall be likely to stop a day or two in Camp Lincoln. I wish you or Winfield could be there to see us for we are called a good drilled Reg't. especially in the manual of arms

 

            It would well repay you for the trip for you might never have another opportunity to witness the movements of a Reg't. that has seen some service at any rate. As the term of service draws to a close I cannot help feeling impatient to get home and see you again, but for all that I like as well as ever I did and have no fault to find, but it will seem pleasant to get home again, although I think I shall be homesick for a while. I cannot help feeling anxious / about the work, and know you must need me, but I shall be on hand in a short time. Are you raising any turkeys this year? I begin to have visions of a Thanksgiving supper, you see. Tell Winfield to take famous care of those bees untill I get home. The contents of that box are rather scattering just now onley a little butter and honey left. keep up good spirits awhile longer and then I will be there.

                                                                                                                       

J. F. Libby

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