Camp of the 14^th N.J. Vols.   

Before Petersburg, Va. Mar. 31^st/65

 

Dear Parents,

                        You kind and loving letter of March 26^th came into eager hands last night and it is with pleasure I take my pen this morning to scratch a reply. I cannot seem to realize that poor Dear Amos is gone, but so it is. May God bless and comfort the bereaved & sorrowing friends. when I hear of a death in the Army I scarcely give it a thought but when the sad news comes from home I cannot seem to free my mind of it. I hope Amos was fully prepared for the sudden change from life unto death. I loved this boy as I would love a brother, but he is gone from me. I trust we may meet him in Heaven he is / only gone before. I am sorry to learn of my cousins death but that seemed not so strange as Amos. But we know not how soon we may be called to bid adieu to earth & those most dear. it matters not if we are prepared, if we are but clothed with the preparation of the Gospel, if we only have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will only say, Thy will my Heavenly Father be done in earth as 'tis done in Heaven. sooner or later we must all pass away & give place to unborn generations. May God guard over and protect us through the struggle of life & fit our spirits for eternity in the presence of our Maker and our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

 

            It is storming today and it has been the means of delaying a heavy Battle on our left / and one which would have telling effect upon the Rebellion, but it is all for the best.

 

            Phil Sheridan is down on the left with his thirty thousand Cavalry supported by the fifth Corps. We moved from our old camp yesterday morning, came down about three mile to the left where now hold the works of the Second Corps which has moved farther to the left. we have good shelter from the storm. still it is not a cold one, as it would be at home, but it would be disagreeable to be wet through even were it in the summer season.

 

            Gen^l Sherman has been here to hold a Council of War with Gen^l Grant and his Army is still pressing its way through North Carolina. I suppose this storm / will hinder its progress some but they will be up inside of two weeks at the farthest if they meet not with too many obstacles on the road. whoever lives to see the 4^th of July will see a happy one in my opinion. The Rebels do not fight with the courage and determination they once did, but they seem to be utterly beaten. they know their cause to be hopeless and they dont care. There has been long firing on the left this morning but it amounted to nothing.

 

            Last night about ten oclock we heard a heavy musketry firing on the right of the line but very little artillery was used. we now have a powerful Army and trusting in the God of Battles we will whip the Rebel foe. I will send you some pictures of my friends. I have the ring. I dont know whether to trust it in a letter or not. Just as you say /

 

I received a letter from Cassie Shipp last night. she writes a real good letter. remember me to Mr Conover tell him to pray for us and remember me to all my Christian Brothers and Sisters. Mr & Mrs Middleditch, request their prayers in our behalf. God will answer them. He has been our guide. He will not forsake us upon the eve of Battle. My earnest prayer is that God will bless you all in the Churches and give you a spirit of prayer that you go forth with a prayer upon your lips for the welfare of our Armies & the sudden downfall of the Confederacy, and may God bless you Dear Parents and keep / you as within the hollow of His hand and comfort you in sorrow. I do pray that John may be united with the Church. he will bless the day if he lives to grow old and before. my love to Adam. I must now draw to a close, hoping again to hear from you

 

            I dont need any money at the present I thank you, the ten cents will buy me a paper some time.

 

            The Boys are all hearty and in good spirits for whatever may come

 

I now bid good bye for this time bear me in remembrance to friends & relatives & I remain your loving & Affec^t Son

                                                           

Albert.

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