Sept 18^th 1863

Bivouack near Rapidan Station Va

Co H 26 Regt N.C.T. Kirkland Brigade

                                   

Dear Father

By the providence of the Almighty I am permited to drop you a few lines to inform you that I still enjoy good health and hope these few imperfect lines may find you and Mother and all the rest enjoying good heath

 

            I have not much news only that we have not had a great battle yet as we expected a few days ago / the enemy made an advance in this direction last sunday captured Culpeper and forced our Cavilry back to this place We left our camp near Orange C. H. Monday morning at daylight we have been here since monday evening the enemy is in plain view of us but some two or three miles off we can scarcely see them without a glass the pickets has been firing every day except yesterday there has been much picket fighting to day and some cannonading a general engagement is expected every day /

 

cannonading is now going on at long intervals the Cavilry has been removed from the immediate front and the picket lines [faded] May the god of battles be our god and shield us and protect us from all the danger that surrounds us on every side I wish you to remember your affectionate son in your supplications to the Almighty God May the [faded] of god that passeth all [faded] and the love of of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the heavenly host be with us [faded]

 

            I will not close this letter this evening it is to late for it to go out I suppose Sisters [remainder faded]

SOURCES