Camp Washington Va August the 2^nd/62

 

Dear Sister

I recd yours of the 20^th July 5 days ago and should have answered it before but have not had time to do so for we have moved our camp since then. I am well at present and hope that this will find you the same.

 

We have not done much lately, only last week we went out on a 6 days tramp toward Gordonsville and went nearly 80 miles in going there and back in a little over three days it was plank road and it almost killed us to travel on it so long We found plenty of secesh there and the cavalry and sharpshooters had a skirmish / and kild 5 rebs, and took one prisoner. The boys helped themselves to what they wanted along the road pretty freely. The farmers along the road would not take (Uncle Sam's) notes for pay and so we give them (Jeff Davis's) notes of which we had plenty but they were made in Philadelphia. When we got back we moved camp and are now on the bank of the river our camp is called camp Washington for we are on the old Washington farm the same place where the Father of his country cut down the cherry tree. We are in a pleasant place now have good water and have access to the river at any time / during the day. Fredericksburg is but a short distance up the river and in plain sight. A gunboat lies here in the river and also several schooners. I think that we will stay here some time probably through the summer for we are getting some large tents to day. our Brigadier General is military Govoner of the city and two regiments of our brigade are on one side and two on the other. no person is allowed to go out or in from the south side and no citizen is allowed out in the street after nine in the evening. I recd a letter from Daniel last Sunday he said the folks were all well Wallis is to work to Ebin Dunn's yet. I recd a letter from him / the same time.

 

I almost forgot to say that John and Art are well and John wears his hair as long as ever and is like to till he gets out of the war.

 

I do not see why a letter will not go to you without stopping, for yours come here shure enough When did you hear from Jane last I can not get a letter from her George said the crops were rather light up there they look very well down here plenty of potatoes and I see some of the boys bring corn in to camp there will be plenty of that in a week or two but I must close this time write when you can. Direct to D. Chase. Washington, D.C. Comp F 23 regt. Ny.v. in care of Lieut. Benedick

                                                           

D. Chase

To M^rs M Kennedy

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