Camp of the Ambulance Corps

3^d Division, 6^th Army Corps

Brandy Station, Va. April 3^d 1864.

 

Dear Mother

            Yours most welcome came into my new quarters this afternoon and this evening to pass away pleasantly a few moments before retiring, and they will be but few as I feel rather tired out notwithstanding it has been the sabbath. I was on my horse nearly all the morning and after returning to camp we had orders to move our quarters so that they might be on a line.

 

            We now occupy the old quarters of the 1^st Division, formerly belonging to the 3^d Corps, now in the 2^nd Corps, and we found very poor quarters scattered here there and all over. we will get settled down by day after tomorrow but I hardly think we will lay still long enough to enjoy our trouble, but it has to be did         I received two standards with your letter.

 

            I was at the Regiment yesterday the Boys were all well. I promised them / I would be over this afternoon and take supper with them but I couldn't get over. We have had a cold storm but it has cleared and tonight it again looks like storming, but my candle is getting short and I must hurry or I will be in the dark for its the only candle there is in the house.

 

            The troops that is our Division moved in the morning as we moved in the afternoon, but the most of the Regiments have miserable quarters. But who wouldn't be a Soldier, ha, ha.

 

            My health is excellent and hope this may find you all enjoying the same comfort. There is no news worthy of mention. I guess you had better not leave the kittens for me to kill for I expect I will have my hands full in about a week or two, for there will be some fun on hand when we cross the far famed Rapidan again. the weather will grow warmer right away ha ha it may seem strange to any but the Soldiers but when we were across the river before, it was getting well on to winter yet still the weather grew intensely hot / at one time. I am glad you dont have to change your quarters and also that it isn't so sickly at Long Branch.

 

            you want to know what I will do with my things when we move. I brought everything with me except Massy's tea pot. I had to leave that behind. no I didn't either, it is somewhere in the Train yet. I think one of the sergeants brought it along. give my love to Grandma. tell her I am the same old chicken.

 

            how did you hear that I had been writing to any fair maiden at Tinton Falls.

 

            so Charlie Crummel has enlisted, thats the best thing he ever done, without it was getting married. Remember me to Mercy R. when you see her. I hope your neck is better. give my best regards to your sick neighbor & any who may chance to enquire. is Mrs Warren at the Doctor's now. I have looking for a letter from her for some time.

 

and now I will drop my pen by wishing you a good night and a God's blessing. my love to John & yourself & I remain your Dear Boy in the Ambulance Train, 3^d Div, 6^th Corps

Albert C.

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