Fort Ellsworth near

Alexandria Va

Aug. 25_1862_Evening

 

Dear Father, We are still in this place and no signs of moving and as I am getting anxious to hear from home I concluded I would write and ask you to write me here and run the risk of not receiving it before we leave. There are some 20000(?) men of M^cClellans army lying here and I do not think we will leave until they have been sent in. They are a very dirty weatherbeaten looking set of men but seem to be in good spirits, but they have been out of liquor so long that when they get here they go on a big drunk and there have been a good many fights in town. It is said that there have been a number of men & negroes shot I have not left camp to day. We We are just done supper and I am now smoking my evening pipe. Alf Myers has had an attack of diarrhea but is getting over it and seems / pretty well now. From where I lie I can see the Wash. navy yard, capitol, monument, The Potomac & Alexandria all without getting up. It was very hot here to day, in the sun. Last night I slept on the ground & to night will do likewise. I stand it first rate. The dew was so heavy last night that my blanket was wet through.

 

I cant make this letter long as it is getting dark. We get up at about 5 o'clock. I owe Weston & Bro 9^th & Aich St $9 for pants & vest which I did not get to pay before I came away. I went once to pay it, in the evening and they were closed. Will you please pay it for me. It is on the only debt I have. and. These soldiers passing through here dont have much to carry and they make a good deal of fun of our big knapsacks I suppose we shall have to throw toss a good deal overboard but I can / hardly tell what I can spare, but notice the old soldiers hold on to their gum blankets to the last.

 

My abl ab album is a great comfort and I often look at the dear familiar faces. We have heard no authentic news from Culpepper and I see nothing in to days Balt. paper about it, but I think there has been a fight there. I can hardly see & must close with good night to all. direct to

M.A.C.

 

of the 45^th Regt. Penna. Vols.

Fort Ellsworth

near Alexandria—Va.

 

do not enclose anything and it will not make so much difference if I dont get the letter. Please write as soon as you receive this

 

Your aff son—

Matthew

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