Suffolk Va     

Sun, May 10  63.

 

Respected Parents.

                        I received yours of April 30 and had just mailed one to you. Since that time I have been quite busy. Since the Rebels left us a week to day we have been across the river along their front destroying their rifle pits and fortifications we have been out twice with 400 men armed and equipped and with wagons carrying spades and picks. on Friday I went out with the Co. went 5 miles on the South Quay road where the main body of their army was and where or near Gen Longstreets head quarters were. They are without tents of any kind. they have their rations given out raw. I have a biscuit which one of their wounded prisoners gave me in the Hospital it is just like lead. they are poorly clad. They had very strong rifle pits but by the looks of the fragments of shell thrown by our artillery from the forts they were kept in hot water I'll bet. It was well that they got away as they did for before noon the next / day they would have been well cut up.

 

I will send you some lines composed on his retreat from here. The weather is quite pleasant to day it is exceedingly warm. it is very lonesome in camp only a few men and officers here. the rest went over the river this morning at 6 oclock. Capt Parkhurst went with the Co to day. To morrow for a stroll I shall go over the river where the battle was fought and see what I can find.

 

I heard of Mr Hendricks death. his son in law is our Quarter Master name is Henry S. Oley. he married Harriet the oldest girl. I was quite surprised to hear of Mr Phettijohn's death. Edith and frank are both well. his foot got well quick. I have heard from Lewis but once and Prele once. I wrote them both last week. I am greatly obliged to you for those stamps, it hard work to get enough at this place. I do not know how long we shall remain here but I should guess all of the rest of it. the 4^th Reg is about 4 miles below us. they were engaged a short time in the battle but were out numbered. they lost 1 killed 1 Lieut wounded and 2 privates. the Lieut was Waterman. Old Stacy's son. I am well acquainted / with him. he came up to see me the day before the battle. he was wounded in the the thigh by schrapnel. only a flesh wound.

 

I can give no news for we have had no papers for 3 days. How is work with you now and how is your health and all the family is George Lewis at work there now. give my regards to all of them.

                                   

With Love to the family

I remain your affectionate

Son Albert.

SOURCES