Head Quarters at Brandy Station V^a.

Nov^r 12/63.—

 

My Dear Cousin,

            Yours of the 16^th inst. is before me. My promptness in responding to letters of my friends depends much upon the duty we are engaged in. Often times & for a number of days in succession, I am separated from my desk & office conveniences, so that it is impossible for me to write to friends. I hope to hear soon of your pleasant location. Success in all respects must follow.—

 

You speak of the immense war preparations you witnessed at Springfield Mass. If you could only see the Army of the Potomac in motion, nearly 100000 men with over 400 pieces of artillery and the other immense material which compose an army, what you saw at Springfield & Chicopee must dwindle into insignificance. In the recent / movements of this Army some important successes were gained. My Brigade fully equalled my expectations in meeting & resisting the enemy. I commanded the advance guard of the Army on Sunday the 8^th inst. Two miles from this place I charged the enemy and drove him from a hill upon which he was strongly posted with artillery in position. My loss was comparatively small. I kept up a running fight with the enemy until he was driven through this place. At this place I lost a few men in wounded from the enemys shell. We punished him severely. I was in the midst of the fight, my usual good luck attending me. For the third time since in the army I was able to use my pistols upon the enemy at short range.—

 

I shall be glad when this war is brought to a successful close. After a days fighting is over, and we turn to witness the mangled bodies / of friend & foe, the hardest heart recoils from the scene. I can witness with stolid indifference the dead upon a battle field, even though they be my daily comrades who have fallen, but I always shrink from a scene among the wounded.—

 

—Remember me to Mrs Miller in love. I trust the happy day may yet come when I can meet both you & her.—

 

During the temporary halt my time is closely occupied. Keep me posted of your whereabouts &c &c—

                                   

Believe me Sincerely and

Devotedly Yours Ever

J. Warren Keifer

 

Milton J Miller Esq

Scituate

Mass—

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