Give my love to all                                                                            

Camp Sprague

Washington, D.C.

June, 19 1861

 

My Darling beloved Edith

                        Here I am again at home or at Camp Sprague as you will see by the heading. After ten days journey we arrived safely in Washington this morning at 7 o'clk somewhat fatigued. We started from Wash one week last Monday, proceeded to Greencastle Penn. by rail, a distance of 172 miles. I wrote you and Lewis while there, after remaining there until Saturday morning when we received orders to march to Williamsport, a distance of 12 miles the day was very hot and quite a number had to be taken on the baggage train. I stuck it out all the way but had to go barefoot about 4 miles, my boots run over at the heel and galled me. The rebels evacuated Harpers Ferry and the report came that they were marching on Washington and General Scott telegraphed for us to march direct to Washington. we remained at Williamsport over Sunday and struck tents 6 oclk Monday June 17 and took up our march for Frederick a distance of 35 miles. this we accomplished making a halt, the longest of 1½ hours, arrived in Frederick at 12 oclk at night. This march it is said was extraordinary as none of the troops / in the war of Mexico made a march of over 30 miles a day. all tired out in fact the last ten miles travelled was of suffering, but the men would not give up for they choose rather to lie on the ground in a grove than to lay by the roadside so we pushed on and reached a grove on the outside of the town where we were not long in getting to sleep I tell you. we spread our blankets upon the ground, found a good soft stone and lay down to sleep. The 3 last miles was made in 45 minutes just. We slept four hours, marched into town, and camped on the fair grounds, where there are some old barracks built by George the Third. Nearly all of us went to sleep on the ground and slept until ten oclk when we were marched to the various hotels and furnished with a tip top breakfast by the citizens. The officers breakfasted at private houses in squads of four. we were treated well in every respect. In Boonsborough, a place we passed through a member of Co D. and Bill Abbott took a secession flag. it was immediately torn in pieces. I managed to get a small piece which I will enclose. we are death on them.

 

We left Frederick last night at 7 oclk in the cars, and arrived after riding all night, at 7 this morning. / We were received at camp by the guard left there under the command of Lt. Bushee and Walker. right glad to get in comfortable quarters. On our marched we crossed two very high mountains of the Blue Ridge. after geting over to look upon the country around was one of the most beautiful sights I ever saw there we could see for miles around large, fine farms with large fields of grain and beautiful dwellings. I really wished I could own a place there for I know we could take comfort. I took some specimens of stone which I shall bring home. We passed on our way here a Regiment from Wisconsin. As soon as I heard they were from there I inquired if there was a man named Henry Greene, my cousin you know I was told that there was, and that he belonged to Comp. E. But I could not stop to hunt him up, so I had to go along. Charley and I left our names stating that we had inquired for him we were informed that they were to follow us to Washington. if they do I shall try to see him. I walked all the way and on the 15 miles did not sit down. my feet are to day very sore, though not blistered. I was very glad to meet Bushee and so were all. received the package all right and thank you and Father kindly for them, the ring. Oh how I wish I could / grasp the hand that wore it. I am afraid I shall lose it so I shall keep it in my valise I lost mine Tuesday Saturday night while bathing in the Potomac at Williamsport. I understand that in all probability we shall move again before next Saturday but I hardly believe it. I think we shall remain here until we start for home. I suppose the new Reg started for here last night, at least we hear so, and that they will encamp near us. Lt Bushee sends his respects. he has been sick but has nearly recovered Did you receive a letter from me while in camp at Greencastle? I wrote you and Lewis, and Father. We are all in good spirits and are having a fine time, to night finding upon our return many goodies from home.

 

I have just received yours of the 14^th and was much pleased with the contents. if you wish to go home I certainly have no objections and do heartily wish I could send you the means which we have had the promise of in two or three days. Col. Pitman is as crazy as a loon but he may be over it soon, so I would not repeat it until I find it is permanent.

 

I must close as I am quite sleepy and bidding you a good night and that you may have pleasant dreams. Our time expires in 6 weeks from to day.

           

from your Affectionate Husband

Albert

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