Maryland Heights, above

 Ferry June 26^th 1863

 

Dear Brother:

           We are still on the march and going up river.

 

            My last was dated Top of Sugarloaf Mountain June 23^d. We marched from there the next night at six oclock with orders to join the Reg't at Point of rocks. The Brigade marched from Poolsville at about the same time that we started and we joined them next morning near Point of rocks. We continued on up twords Harpers Ferry untill night when we encamped in a rain storm. It continued to rain all last night and has rained all day to day, at intervals

 

            We encamped 6 miles below Harpers Ferry last night and came up here this forenoon. / Oweing too the rain the roads were rather mudy to day and it was uncomfortable marching. We are about 2 miles above the Ferry on the Heights and in the immediate neighborhood of the Rebs. Their force is about 40,000 I will not stop to tell you about the march and what I saw by the way but will wait untill I get home. I will onley say that I stood the march as well as the best and am good for any distance.

 

            Some of the boys are pretty well used up with sore feet lameness &c.

 

            The Reg't started from Alexandria the 17^th Inst. and arrived in Poolsville 21^st forenoon. Co. F. was detached to the Sugar Loaf the 23^d and the next day started for this place. So you see that we have been on / the march every day but one since leaving Alexandria. I have got well toughened into marching and have got so I pack and sling uncle Sam's beauro with a great degree of indifference. I hoped to come home looking kind of neat and trim but marching every day in rain and dust and sleeping any where and anyhow at night, is not calculated to keep one free from travel stains at least.

 

            The 11^th Army Corps passed within a mile or too of us the other day. I saw Gen Howard and Staff They were intending to come up with us but received other orders just before the head of the column came up with us. I wanted to see them for I believe the 16^th Reg't is in that Corps.

 

            One of the 10^th Vt. Regt. boys threatened to shoot one of his officers to day and was punished with / such barbarity that he died from the effects of it.

 

            I onley wish that the officer who sancioned such punishment might be handed over to the tender mercies of the 23^d for justice It would be meted out with promptness I assure you. The poor fellow was tied up to the limbs of a tree by his rists so he could onley just touch his toes and kept there so long that he never recovered. Our Regt marched by while he hung there and our officers tried to get him taken down but in vain. I thought I would write and let you know where I am although I shall probably be on the way home before this reaches you.

 

            Dont think that I am growing poor and peevish for I am not I am perfectly well and in good condition                               

J. F. Libby

 

[margins]

I shall write again as soon as I get into Portland so Mother can get ready

 

Night is closeing with every appearance of rain

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