Camp of the 14^th Reg^t N.J. Vols.

Maryland Hights. Near Harpers Ferry, Va.

            Tuesday June 23^rd/63

 

Dear Mother

I seat myself this evening to drop you a few lines to assure you that by the blessing of God I am in good health and I earnestly hope this may find you enjoying the same blessing. I wrote to you last saturday but I dont think it has reached you, as there is no certainty in our communication between here and Baltimore. the mail boy started for Frederick City last saturday with the mail and he has not been heard from since to my knowledge. so I will write you a few lines again until I feel satisfied that you have heard from me for I expect there is some what of anxiety in regard to the whereabouts of the 14^th and no doubt there is all sorts of rumors concerning us, but I will assure you / that we are at M^d Hights and all safe and sound the Boys are all well and in jovial spirits. Charlie White and Chadwick are carrying on. they send their best wishes. I dont know how long they will keep us here but I think we will go on farther in Virginia there isn't much danger of Rebs making an attack on us there unless they are driven into it we are about sixteen thousand strong. our Brigade is under the command of Gen. Morris. we have been at work nearly ever since we came here digging rifle pits &c we have plenty to eat, and the water is plenty, and as good as it was at monocacy. give my love to all the neighbors and enquiring friends. tell them all the 14^th is safe and sound and ready to do their duty. I must bring my letter to a close as it is nearly time for roll call, so I must bid you good night and may our Heavenly Father bless you all. your Son Albert.

U.S.A. 

 

Wednesday morning 24^th

Well Mother as there is no signs of the mail going out this morning I might as well write a few more lines. all is quiet on the Hights this morning

 

            The weather is fair. we had somewhat of rain last week but it is getting dry and dusty under foot again. I went down to the Potomack yesterday to have a swim, but the water was so muddy I gave out. I suppose you have heard often enough of John Browns cave. I went and examined it yesterday, but I didn't see anything of John Brown ha, ha

 

            I dont think we will stay here more than four or five days. if you dont hear from me so often you must not worry, for we may be so situated that there is no mail, and I am not certain that this will go through as there is no certainty in the trains from Harpers Ferry to Baltimore. Gil & Wes Van Dyke wish to be remembered if you see their mother / Tell her they are both well and will write soon. I tell you Mother the folks at the Junction didn't like to see us leave there we had been there so long, it seemed like home, but I feel in hopes we will go over in Virginia. I have seen enough of the country in M^d but I am willing to go anywhere where we can do the most good for the country. you can do just as you like about writing. if you write there is no certainty of it reaching us. if you write direct your letters to Washington D.C. they will be more likely to reach us some time. I must bring my letter to a close hoping you are all well My prayers are in your behalf. May God bless you.

                                               

Your Son Albert

Co. G. 14^th Reg^t N. J. Vols

 Maryland Hights

 

Serg^t Albert C. Harrison                    

                                   

My love to all

SOURCES