Maryland

In line of Battle near Fair Play

Sunday July 12^th 1863

           

Dear Parients

                                    Here we are again ready to give the rebels battle and it will come off tomorrow I expect. Both armies are resting today but the troops are all in position ready to commence it will be a terrible battle and no one knows how it will terminate We are about worn out with hard marching but this if we are successful will be the last fight this side of the Potomac. We came to this place yesterday about noon found a few rebels here but our skirmishers and artillery drove them back to the main army about 3 miles distant. Thus far / I have been very fortunate and I still hope to be but none can tell who will fall The rebels are in strong force and will probably make a desperate resistance it is very warm and we are lying in the middle of a wheat field part of the grain has been cut the sun shines very hot I have had but few letters from home or any where else for we have had but little mail for a long time what the Army will do after this none can tell all probably depends on the coming morrow I wrote you when we were at Gettysburg in the intrenchments July 4^th I wrote you in a hurry and dont know whether you got it or not.

 

            Do not worry or give yourself / any uneasiness about me if I come out all right I will write soon—if I fall it will be all for the best—I am ready and willing to go One cannot die in a better cause. Perhaps after all the rebels may leave and fight in Virginia as the Battle may be postponed from cause or other

 

            But I have not time to write more at present. I write to let you know where I am and what we are doing. But no more at present

                                                                                   

Your aff son

 

Written in much haste.                                                          

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