Camp 20^th Regt Conn. Vols.              

Leesburg Va.              

June 24^th 1863.

           

Dear Parients

                                    I have sent you one letter since we have been here and have now found time to write another. I think from appearances that we shall stay here some time but cant tell we may move before tomorrow

 

I am well and have about recovered from the fatigue of the march. Leesburg is the strongest secesh place in the state. But nevertheless the country round about is as fine as I ever saw. I went all over the place last Monday and took dinner with a private family, the first / time I have been fairly seated at a table since I left Washington. The people of the house said we could never conquor them and talked all sorts of secesh doctrine. There are but few able bodied male inhabitants in the place nearly all in the Reb. service. The woman who got my dinner had two sons in the Reb. Army. Saw some very pretty looking girls in the streets but few of whom would speak to a Yankee unless he asked them a question and then a short answer.

 

            There are some splendid farms around here but the troops are tearing down fences killing pigs and cattle and / raising the devil in general. I witnessed for the first time the execution of three men for desertion last friday. They were shot in presence of two division four Corps. They were marched out hands and feet tied the squads of men drawn up in front of them. they were seated on their coffins awaiting their fate. When all was ready the Chaplain steped up and made a short prayer. then came the words Ready aim fire a flash report and the two deserters were gone. The troop passed in review and then marched back to camp having witnessed for the first time the terrible fate of the deserter. 

 

Send me some stamps and newspapers

 

It is rumored we have got to march I cant write more at present

 

Your Aff son

Henry

 

[upside down]

 

Henry A. Cornwall

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