Camp of the 14^th NJVols.

Near Burke's Station, Burke's C^o. Va. April 17^th/65.

 

Dear Parents.

                        I might as well be penning you a few lines as I am at leisure, and our accommodations being quite good, for after the past short but decisive campain, we find ourselves encamped in a perfect wilderness of pines, but withal it is quite a pleasant place for a camp, good water and a plenty of it, and we are beginning to get enough to eat once more, for I tell you it was rather slim dodging for a couple, three or four days. our haversacks didn't hurt our shoulders any for they were full of empty bags, sugar & coffee bags was about all we feasted upon. But we were doing a glorious work and could afford to go hungry as long as the enemy and kept in good spirits and fought just as hard as if we went in with a full belly. excitement would keep us alive for two days or even longer. But the war is over in this State. She will no longer suffer from the ravages of war.

 

            But the worst news which was ever received in any army came to us night before last. a dispatch came to us stating / that our President, Secretary & son had been murdered. It is horrible. today the news came official stating that the Pres^t was dead and the Secretary's son could not survive but that of the father there were very faint hopes entertained of his recovery. God grant he may yet live to see the end of this wicked Rebellion. The best friend we Soldiers had on earth was Uncle Abe. he done all the good that lay in the power of man to do, and offered the enemy every inducement to come back to the old Union but they would not and now may the sword never be sheathed until the blood of every traitor North and South is spilled to atone for the great crime. No quarters should ever more be shown to them. if they still persist they should wear the halter. May God still sustain us through this our greatest national calamity. We know it is all for the best, but it fills every Soldier's heart with the most bitter hatred against a Rebel. If it is our lot to get in another engagement before the expiration of our term of Service, the old double Six will not show any mercy or take many prisoners, and that is the best / way to serve them, kill all we catch, for the advantage now is ours. they once had the advantage but they never will again. I wonder how the Copperheads view the war now, whether they still think old Lee and his invincible Army cannot be whipped into a surrender. Time works wonders but we worked wonders in a short time. We fully appreciate the bounteous praise the worthy editor of the Herald heaps upon the gallant sixth Corps. Mr Bennet did not view things a year or two ago in the same true light that he now does.

 

            I will never be sorry that I left the Ambulance Corps and rejoined my Company so long as my life has been spared, for which I thank God, I have been fully repaid.

 

            I have not as yet received any letter from you in fact I have received no letters from Jersey in two weeks. I am anxious to hear from you. I hope you have 'ere this become settled down in your new home and I hope John is fast improving, and that you are all in good health as this leaves me, for / since we came here three days ago I have had a good rest.

 

            I dont know what they intend to do with us. We dont get any papers, so we hear nothing but rumors, and being in a pine woods we see nothing but pine trees and soldiers.

 

            The weather is lovely. give my love to Grandma and bear me in remembrance to any friends and now I will close the Boys are all well.

May God bless & protect you.

                                               

Your loving & Affec. Son

Albert.

 

P.S

I dont think I shall attempt to write another letter on Rebel paper

A—

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