Suffolk Va     

April 25 /63

 

Respected Parents.

                        I received yours and was glad to hear that you were better. On Wednesday morning following the Sunday Mr Ayer left camp the order came at 2 oclk in the morning for us to be in readiness to march at daylight We were ready and took the cars for Alexandria we there embarked on the transport Hero for Norfolk to report to Fortress Monroe. All the troops around Washington and Alexandria had the same orders and all embarked that day. We anchored down the river that night and on Thursday morning again started and arrived at Norfolk about dark. could not see much of the place took the train for Suffolk passing through a part of the dismal swamp, and a dismal one it is too. Here we are. the place threatened by the Rebels. but we have a good large force and well fortified and I dont think they will make the attempt now. They had a battery down the river which rather kept the gunboats but finally our forces made a rush and with the assistance of the boats captured the battery of 6 pieces beside upward of / hundred prisoners. Yesterday a recconnoisance was made for 6 or 8 miles around and their exact position found out. the force consisted of about 8000. Our loss was 6 killed 32 wounded and 4 prisoners. we took 13 prisoners. their loss was much greater. Our Reg was in line or under arms all day as a reserve, but we were not called upon. We are at work all night in rifle pits and forts &c. Our duty is much different than at Camp Metcalf but the boys all like the change and are as cool all the time as can be.

 

take in notice of the skirmishing which is continual from morning till night, I hardly think the Rebs will make an attack but they may. Their object will be to get possession of the Rail Road and cut off communication but they will find that rather too hard for them Suffolk is quite a pretty little place but is inhabited by blacks mostly. the whites are all in the Rebel army. Our camp is on the bank of the Nansemond River at the edge of the town, and a gunboat lies at the wharf. You will find the most news from us in the New York times or Herald. I have no more time to write at present and my pen is not good and you will excuse me till another time I am well and like the situation first rate. with love to all, I remain your affectionate Son Albert.

 

Will write to Susie soon. Let me hear often

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