Poolvill Md. June 20^th 1863

2 Oclock P. M.

           

Dear Brother:

To use a military phrase, we have changed our base of opperations. We started from Alexandria last Wednesday morning and arrived here about 12 oclock (m.) to-day. The distance is forty or fifty miles.

 

            The weather was rather warm and we did not march very fast.

 

            We did not expect to leave Alexandria untill we started for home but in consequence of the rebel raids in this state we were ordered up here.

 

            I cannot see anything very alarming in the way of raids around here although the papers state that the rebels pulsed through this place last night, but I cant see it. / There is no doubt but there is some danger of a raid in here but there is no truth in many of the rumors flying Some of the Cavalry have skirmished a little and that is about all the fighting that there has been in these parts.

 

            Some of the boys are kind of afraid that we shall be detained over our time but I dont think there is any doubt but we shall be at home in season, although we shall not start quite so quick as some anticipated.

 

            When we came up here we came up to Aquaduct Bridge and crossed over—came up through Rockville, Darnstown and one or two other small towns Aquaduct Bridge is at Georgetown.

 

            Our usual fortune did not forsake us on the march / for we had pleanty of showers and rainy weather. It rained hard about all last night, and has not cleared off yet I enjoyed the march well and came through all right. I cant stop to tell you how I stole cherrys and and laid out in the rain all night without anything but a ruber blanket over me which did not keep all the rain off, and the thousand and one develtries that occured on the march but will do so in full when I come home. I will let you know when we get in Portland

 

            Your last letter reached me while we were coming through Georgetown.

                                               

Dont worry

J. F. Libby

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