Camp of the Amb. Corps

3^d Division, 6^th Army Corps

Brandy Station, Virginia.

April 8^th 1864.

                                                                                   

My Dear Mother,

Yours bearing date of April 5^th came most happily into my possession this evening and I shall be prompt in answering as I need the same employment to pass the evening pleasantly away. There isn't much if any news worthy of note so I imagine my letter will be but a short one, still I shall do my best to make it interresting and will state in the first place that I am still enjoying the best of health. I was at the Regiment last night and found the Boys all well and kicking around.

 

            The weather has been most beautiful today and I have been so lazy that I could scarcely move around. it has clouded up tonight and I fear it will storm again before morning.

 

            We have good quarters once more and quite as good as we left at the old camp, and I think we will like it very well. We have been at work today and cleaned away the old rubbish and dirt from the camp and now it assumes quite a decent look. From statements in the papers our Army will not be likely to move yet in some time. / But thank fortune I will have it a little easier than heretofore on march if I retain my present position, and dont kill my horse before the campain opens. But there isn't much danger but that I will retain my position as I am one of them kind who generally finds friends wherever he goes and have learned how to appreciate a good friend. There is a flying report in our Brigade that the 14^th is to be called to Philadelphia to guard conscripts but I guess it is too good to be true. Our Colonel is at home and our old 3^d Corps commander Gen^l French is at Philadelphia. He and Col Truax are old cronies but to take my choice I would rather be permanently detached in the Ambulance Corps so I can hear the old balls whistle once in awhile for there is music in them that the soldier fancies providing they dont come to near to a fellow and singe his hair. My hair is getting terribly long and it bothers me to comb it. I wish you would get me a good thick comb for I break almost every one I get hold of. I believe I used to break yours once in awhile. I was glad to hear that Uncle John's folks were all alive / I dont suppose I would ever hear from them if any of them should die, only through your letters. I must write to Clemmy again after a while. I think I will hear from her if I write two or three times more. I think I shall write a few lines to Uncle John and see if he will not vote for Uncle Abe.

 

            I am also very thankful to hear that the fever has abated at Long Branch. I hav'nt received the Standard yet. my ink is rather thick. I guess I will have to water it with some vinegar. you wish to know if I can make out every word of your letters. I can I assure you and without any trouble.

 

            I am happy to hear that Mrs Vanness is recovering from her illness. tell her I am coming in to take tea with her in about seventeen months and want her to send for that good looking niece of hers. you say you do not care how long my letters are so I shall try and write you one if I can find enough of the material to make it interresting. I dont see why I do not hear from Aunt Clemmy. it has been a long time since she last wrote. I shall have to remind her of it, if she dont shoulder her pen pretty soon. 

 

            I have not heard from Susie since she went to New York. How is Cousin Joe Lippencott getting along with that little farm, has he commenced building his house yet, or dont he intend to. I think I must write to him and see if I can't get that farm. I will try and get on the right side of him at any rate, but I guess I am already on the right side as the old saying is. I think he thinks pretty well of me already. Is cousin Fannie still in New York with her Aunt Fannie?

Well Mother my candle is getting short. I must now wind up or I'll be where moses was when the light went out. Write again soon, give my love to John and any enquiring friends. and I ever Remain your loving and Affectionate Son Albert in the War for the Union.

                                                           

To his Mother at Home.

Sergeant Harrison

Ambulance Corps

3^d Division 6^th Corps

Washington  D.C. or Brandy Station Va.

 

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