Oct 22^d 1863

Camp near Auburn Kettle Run Creek Va

 

Dear Father and Mother.

                                    After writing my last letter, we remained at Bull Run Creek 2 days, then we received 8 days rations again, and crossed the Creek, and marched out to Bristoe Station distance 12 miles, and drew up in line of Battle for the night. The next morning we resumed our march and after crossing Cedar Run 3 times in one day (the road compelling us to) we reached this place, just the spot where the enemy first attacked our Cavalry on the retreat. I little thought when we heard the Cavalry skirmishing that in less than a week we should be camped on the / same spot. But such are the freaks of a soldiers life. I think that Lee disgusted with his own folly and baffled by Meade's splendid generalship has for want of sustenance, and the dread of being far from his base, fallen back across the Rappahanock. so the report is any how. The 3^d Corps is at Warrenton the 5^th at the Junction the 6^th at Catletts Station, and we are here of the rest of the Army I know nothing but that we are in supporting distance of each other as the greatest distance is 15 miles apart. Today I have been very busy, first putting up a tent, but I think this is only a temporary camp, next washing shirt drawers towel stockings handkerchief, next mending my blouse / and breeches, and then or rather now in writing to you. This is a most beautiful day a regular autumn day just cool enough and just warm enough for the sun shines most brilliantly the leaves are all turned and are dropping of fast, and the Chinck-a-pins and paw paws and persimmons are ripe and luscious. Perhaps you did not hear of reinlisting. Well they offered us old fellows 402 dollars 30 days furlough and if a whole Regt would reinlist the Regt should go home and stay until filled up with veterans who had served 9 months or more and who could show their discharge papers. Well all the old members of the 19^th agreed to sign the paper requesting to be sent home to reinlist, but now we have got to go through the fall Campaign there / is not a man who will reinlist If we could have gone at the time I should have reinlisted for 3 years certain but it is all for the best I suppose. That picture of little sister is a beauty and I feel proud to have such a good looking little sister. The boys think that she is very good looking. General Webb the commander of our division is a splendid soldier. the day of the fight at Bristoe he lost his hat while riding along the line but he never stopped and when he came back we gave him 3 good cheers I tell you.

                       

But I am about out of news so good bye for this time from

your Affect Son

Geo H Patch

Co I 19^th Mass Vols.

 

PS

            I received 2 letters from you yesterday dated the 12^th and 18^th of Oct. and mothers dated East Cambridge Oct 19^th

           

Give my love to all the folks and good bye again.

GHP

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