^To Edith                                                                                              

Greencastle, Penn

June, 12 1861

           

I did not expect to have the opportunity to write you again so soon. The Reg^t left Wash at 6 o'clk Monday morning and came all the way by rail, a distance it is said of 172 miles from Washington. Greencastle is near Chambersburg, Franklin Co. I believe. We are in camp in a very pleasant grove in tents. a stream runs through the grove and we have already built dams for pools for swimming. We are within 11 miles of the enemy's outposts. I do not know how near we are to Harpers Ferry. We expected to go there direct but for some purpose are to remain here for a few days. There are a number of Regmts encamped around us here with two companies of Rangers and one of Cavalry. We left Camp Sprague rather sadly for we had become attached to it and had got it in good condition and had arranged every thing for comfort but it was soon changed to glee for every one saw that it was for the best as our services were required. I have come to the conclusion that we shall not go back to Washington for if we proceed to Harpers Ferry and have a battle we shall keep right on / for Home. It is thought that we shall have a tough fight but if they are not very strongly fortified with the force now here we can rout them for we can completely surround them, giving a small chance for escape and at that point can give them beans. Pray for victory I suppose. Bushee has arrived at Camp Sprague by this time if he has he will start immediately for here. If you have sent those articles by him in all probability I shall receive them but they may be of no service, that is the sheets.

 

You may direct the letters the same as before and they will be sent to me by express Col. Burnside telegraphed for them this morning. we shall receive them I should think by night. I shall have to close soon and if I can get time to night will write you again We may remain here a week, may be longer and may be shall have orders to march before light to morrow morning. we marched through Baltimore without halting and without disturbance it was melting hot and 4 men 3 from our company fell from the effects. I had to go back and take care of them all one of the men was taken care of by some secessionists but they received every attention that could be given them. Three ladies in the house com- / menced upon me, but I could not talk fast enough for the three so I told them that we had better not say anything more about it but thanked them for their kindness and they gave me a towel filled with ice to use on our way. One woman stood in the street with a little boy just beginning to talk and he was cheering for Jeff Davis under her direction. Write me soon and direct to Camp Sprague and I guess I shall get them sometime. I hope to be home soon. I do really think that we shall keep right along for Providence with an occasional halt. Give my love to all and accept a good lot from your loving husband.

Albert

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