Camp of the 14^th New Jersey Vol^s

Somewhere in Virginia, about 5 or

6 mile from Warrenton, Aug 2^nd 1863

Sunday morn.

 

My Dear Mother

I seat myself this morning or am seated already and as I have just finished reading in my Testament I will drop you a few lines again to assure you that I am well. Harry Smith has come over from the train to see me. he is laying off along side of me smoking his pipe. I guess you remember him. he used to drive bake waggon for Bates. he is in the 11^th NJ went out with Sleeper. he looks first rate. he wishes to be remembered to Major Hoffmire. I guess John knew him. We are about six / mile from the Rappahanock near Fayetteville. we had a pretty rough march yesterday, not so far but it was very hot. I came through all right & tight. I will come out catbird yet, ha, ha. I earnestly hope this may find you and John enjoying good health. I hear we are to stay here awhile, but I dont know how true it is. there was firing all day yesterday over the river. the Johneys are fortifying I think there will not be much fighting yet awhile. I hope to hear soon that Charleston & old Sumpter have fallen in our hands. Thompson is sitting here blowing & whiffing away at his old pipe. I have lost / my pipe. I lost it about two months ago. therefore I had to drop of smoking and take my spare time for marching, ha, ha. The Boys are sitting around some reading and some talking over one subject and another building castles in the air &c. as the mail does not go out until tomorrow I will not write any more now. perhaps I will have some news to write so I bid you good morn.

 

            Dear Mother good evening. I now sit down on my rubber blanket to finish my letter it is half past nine oclock I am on guard and have just posted my second Relief. I found a piece / of candle, as I thought I might. Just as well write as to sit of here and do nothing. I am happy to inform you that we have not moved today, and it is something wonderful for us to lay still on Sunday. I thank God that such was the case, for it has seemed a little like the Sabbath once more. I thought by not finishing my letter this morning I might find some news to write but there is nothing new that I have heard, so I cannot write much more any more than tell you to send a piece of paper & an envelope whenever you write. they will reach me some time, and paper / is a scarce article down yer in old virginny. it is a splendid night. the moon is shining brightly. I imagine to myself that you have returned from Church & are preparing for bed, & thinking how you would love to hear from me, to know how I was situated & whether or not I was safe. I know just how it is Mother. I can imagine your thoughts, ha, ha. pray for me & I will do the same keep a good heart all will yet be well. let us trust in the good Lord. nothing is / uncertain with God. He doeth all things well. in 12 more days Mother it will be 1 year since I enlisted The time has seemed very short to me. I thank the Lord that my life has been spared to serve my country thus far, one-third of the period for which I enlisted but I feel in hopes before another year shall roll around that this matter will be settled, God grant the same.

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