Pleasant Valley Md Oct 20^th 1862

 

Dear Sister,

                        I received your letter last night and was happy to hear that you are all well at home. I am sorry to hear of Mr Tanner's death although I did not expect he would live a great while when I left home. The boys here are all well Ed Gallup has been slightly unwell but is better now. I saw Dr Whitcomb Geo Preston Ed Allen and Billy Cleveland they are all well. Hurburt Lillibridge was over here to day he is in the 14^th C.V. Fuller the man I have sold out to a man by the name of Cummins I am at work with him I like him better than I did Fuller. am getting $45.00 per month. I think I shall stay with him this winter I think.

 

Tell father it is a great place for speculation. Albert Doane of Voluntown and Mr Richards of Preston City and Nath Lester of Patchaug they are running an express

 

from Washington to Alexandria and Fairfax Court House. there is a lot of men from all parts of the country, in every kind of business they make from $2. to $25.00 per day and not much capital at that. Our Brigade is under marching orders but I think we shall stay near here all winter 

 

The last battle was about 8 miles from us we could hear the guns plainly here. people do not mind any thing about a battle unless they are in it. Every thing is quiet here. Al Johnson and Clapp are promoted to Captains. We have had no rain here untill to day it is raining now quite hard to. this is a great country down here. Mud a foot deep and very hilly and rocky on the sides of the mountains and sandy in the valleys a great place for raising corn. some nice farm along here. the people are most all secesh some Union, not many. Remus Robinson was here to day. he is 2^ond Lieut in the 11^th C.V. he went out as private at first.

 

How is Major Kendall getting along better I hope. I hear that Henry Coxall is dead and Warren Lilly also. is it true as to Henry death. Tell father I should like to come home now but I want to stay here a while longer I think there will be a good chance to make something winter.

 

Give my respects to Alfred Wilbur as I shall write him in a day or two I must close now as it is most time to open our tent as we do not open it Sundays untill 6 Oclock in the evening. 

 

Tell mother I am sorry she turned Jane away. she must not work to hard as she can get along just as well not to. Give my love to all.

                                                           

Your loving brother

Henry.

 

Direct

C. H. Burdick

21^st Regt C.V.

2^d Brigade 3^d Division

9^th Army Corps

Via Washington D.C.

 

P.S. Give these checks to father and tell him to get the money on them and send it to me. he can get it at the bank

SOURCES