Camp of the Fourteenth New Jersey Vols.

Brandy Station Virginia Dec 3^rd 1863

 

Dear Mother

            You are no doubt anxious to hear from me once more therefore I take this first chance to pen you a few lines to inform you that I am still in the land of the living and full of gratitude to God for the same. Since last I wrote you Mother I have been in the first smoke of Battle which you have doubtless heard 'ere this and you have no doubt perused the papers with the deepest anxiety but you do not find my name among the dead & wounded. I came out safe and sound but we left two of our comrades upon the field, Elliot Fields & John White. those / two were killed and six wounded the Regiment lost 16 killed & 48 wounded The men fought bravely and stood up to the work with a will. there were only three of the Red Bank boys in the fight, Danl Thompson, D Swiford and myself. we all three came out safe. the army has withdrawn and now we are again this side of the Rapidan at Brandy Station. I think the campaign is ended for the winter is on hand and the roads will not permit us to move I think we will soon go into winter quarters & then I will let you know what articles I want we hav'nt had a mail since we have been on the march. I think we will get a mail tonight at least so I hope for I am anxious to hear from you all. God grant that this / finds you all in good health. give my love to John & any enquiring friends. tell John the old Colonel lead us on like a man. I cannot write you a long letter this time mother as I have business to attend to in the Company I am acting orderly at present as the late march has come rather hard on the orderly and he is unable for duty but two or three days rest will bring us all right again. Eseck has just come over from the ammunition train to see us. he is well and sends his love to you and John. I think we have retreated in good time for there are indications of a storm I must now close but when you get my boots mother you needn't be particular in getting a nice pair all I want is something stout / with pretty high legs. I tell you so if you have a chance to get them you will know what I want, no matter how rough they look so they will stand the mud, thats whats the matter. perhaps John Bergen has ready made boots that will be just the article 8^s I must now close for this time. May Heavenly Father bless you & be with you ever

                       

I ever remain your loving

Son Albert in the Army

Albert C. Harrison

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

1^st Brigade      Gen^l Morris

3^rd Division     Gen^l Carr

3^rd A.C.           Gen^l French

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