Camp Hooker, Frederick Junction

Near Frederick City, M^d Oct 3^rd 1862

 

My Dear Mother,

                        Last night was a happy time for me Mother, in receiving and reading over your dear letter. I was happy to hear that God had spared all your lives. My health still continues good. it will be better in about four hours, I think; for there were two load of splendid beef brought in this morning; which we will have for dinner; we have first rate bread now, fresh every day, it is baked on the camp ground, but before I go farther; I must tell you that I received three letters beside yours, last night; one from Libbie one from Hannah Virginia Bergen, and one from James Allen. so you may imagine that I was highly ticked it kept me reading all last evening. when I went to bed, I put the letters under my head to see what I would dream about, and what do you suppose it was I dreamed, why it was this, that you and I went up to the Baptist church, and Mrs Middledich was preaching. there didn't seem to be much of a congregation. I thought I was just going off to the War, she give me an awful talking to after she stopped preaching. after I woke up I made up my mind that I would commence an answer to your letter immediately and I have done so. Your letter was mailed / at Red Bank Oct 1^st and I received it on the 2^nd pretty quick work that. I hope that pain in your breast will not stay long. I had a good time laughing over what grandmother said. you ought to have told her that she should have volunteered in the Nine Months concern and then she could have come down for nothing (what I mean free of expence. she wanted to know what it would cost, I never thought of such thing, but I always knew my Grandmother had a great liking for me. I am glad she still cherishes the same feeling, when her Grandson is battling for his glorious country. you spoke about how long I would be here yet. you needn't think we will be here three years for this rebellion will be settled long before three years rolls around; you may be assured of that. I think Major might as well shut up his shanty and come down here and carry my knapsack awhile. how I would lay of and laugh at him, ha, ha, ha. Major's poor weak back couldn't stand the press a great while with a knapsack upon it. tell Peter Lawless he must have seen a great eal of southern soil. ask him if he received an honorable discharge. remember me to him and all the family, also to Mr and Mrs Kroner tell her I never get sick of a good bargain. Charley White is well and sends / his love to you, and to them also he says he is going to write to them the first chance he gets. I am glad Libbie is getting so fat. school teaching must agree with her remarkably. give my love to her and family, tell Mrs Throckmorton I am going to send one of these Gray Backs up after her. John seems to have the luck of getting all the balky horses, tell him to keep a good heart. he may be well of yet. how sorry I felt for them poor Boys that had to leave home for one especially, Billy Dennis poor boy. how hard it must have been for him to leave his dear wife; Massy Revy I see is alive yet. I expect Mrs Worthley must feel as bad as any body losing three boys, but I am in hopes God will spare their lives for her sake. I wrote to Ged Conover before we came here to Frederick, but I havn't received an answer yet, and I wrote to Aunt Clemmy but she hasn't answered it yet. Hanny said she would like to send me a bunch of grapes on the telegraph wires. we are thirty five mile from Washington by turn pike and south east from there. there are troops passing through almost constantly; within three days, there has thirty thousand troops passed here going on towards the potomac. I think that this will be made our winter quarters, for we are placed here to protect the bridge which has been rebuilt. I forget whether it was done / when I wrote to you before or not, but I rather think not. I believe we dont receive any money until the 14^th of Nov. every two months. I havn't a great eal of money but I have enough to last me until I am paid of I hold on to Aunt Clemmys bill yet, and intend to; and a one dollar bill and six pennies. I was glad you sent me some more stamps for as long as I get enough to keep my letters going I dont care. I have every thing I need. Our Colonel has been in excellent health ever since we have been away. he is acting Brigadier General. we guard prisoners and take charge of all broken up Regiments of the Army that come over this road. We have been favored very much Mother, since we started out on our campaign we havn't had very long marches or done any very hard work, but to God is the praise due the Boys are getting along first rate. the sun is warmer here to-day than I ever saw in that state called Jersey, but my head is getting tough I can set right out in the sun and wash. I tell you, I am getting a rich color on; I shall answer the other three letters as soon as I can. you must write soon Mother. there is nothing more I can say to you at present. excuse the writing for I was pretty much hurried. May God bless you and John and all my friends.

 

Remember me to all, and receive me as your loving

Son

Albert. C Harrison

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