Camp near Falmouth Dec 23^th 1862

 

Dear Mother.

                        I received your letter dated the 10^th and 15^th and in it was enclosed a letter and minature from Nellie. The letter had been to Camp Parole and was forwarded from there to Washington. It finds me in my usual good health and spirits, also getting accustomed to a soldiers life again. Since I arrived here we have had very good weather indeed and today the sun shines bright and warm. There are no signs of moving at present but a soldier knows not what moment he may leave. I hardly think that Burnside will try to take the rebel brest works at Fredericksburg again if he does why good evening to the army of the Potomac. And I think it doubtful if the men would charge those batteries again. Anything that is within the bounds of reason the Army of the Potomac is proud and willing to do, but the sight of those breastworks is enough to convince any man that it is utterly fruitless to attempt to take them by infantry charges. For you have to cross an open field ¼ of mile wide exposed to a galling fire of grape and canister and then there are double lines of rifle pits in which are posted the rebel sharpshooters, and even after that the works

 

[margin: diagram of the shape of the breastworks "You see they can fire on the different sides. the arrows show which way the enemy fires"]

 

 / are so constructed that the men are exposed to an enfillading fire (See description) so you can see what the men had to brave at the Battle of Fredericksburg. You can see the enemy from this side of the river busily engaged in strengthening their positions and there picket line the other side of the river but maintain a friendly feeling with our pickets never firing on each other. They applaud our men very highly for showing such bravery but detest the general for ordering us to face their batteries. What do the people think of Burnside now. I was on guard yesterday, and the neatest looking man on guard mounting gets on orderly at head Quarters. And I got it and so had an easy job. There is enough to do to keep us busy for with only 14 men fit for duty it makes some work for them to do. Those men that you wrote about belonging to the 6^th were the ones I spoke about. I dont believe it does any good to sew for the soldiers for I dont think they get ½ of what is sent to them. I know of a man who was sick in a hospital and wanted some jelly but could not get any without paying for it he paid $2.00 for a small bottle and on taking off the wrapper he found his own name on it and directions to show that it came from his wife. thats the way the soldiers get the / most of their things. That box that you sent in August the Capt says he distributed the tobacco amongst the boys but he dont remember what became of the rest of the stuff. I knew nothing about John Hartwell until Geo wrote about him. Geo Whit and I had quite a laugh about it I tell you Is there any body hurt ha ha ha. Oh dear me I was afraid when I was first under fire but if I had run away I should not have conquered my fear any, but on the contrary should have made myself more the best way is to stand up to it like a man and take what comes without flinching and in the course of time you will not mind it no more than the whistling of the wind. I chew when I cant get enough to smoke and when I do get enough I knock off chewing I guess that you and the ministers family aint so thick as usual what is the reason. That ring I intended for you but if you have rings enough you may if you chose give it to who you think best. I made the ring but another fellow put the ornamental work on it. We are to be inspected by Gen Sumner the old bulldog tomorrow at ½ past 10 oclock. I am right side of the color bearer and if should chance to get shot I shall make a grab at them. The colors are new ones,

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