Newburg Feb 9^th 1862

 

            Sunday has come again dear wife and we are still at our old camping ground here. After keeping our cooked rations all ready in our haversacks for marching, the order at last came to use them, and remain where we are. I believe it was at first intended that we should join Landers division in the march which he seems now to be making after Jackson, but I suppose he had enough troops without us, and so we remain for further orders. We have heard today, (but whether the news is reliable or not I cannot say), that Lander marched after Jackson with five days rations, and without his camp equipage. If this is so we shall hear from him in a short time, and I hope the news will be that he has defeated Jackson so completely as to destroy his army. There seems to be nothing for / us to do here but to drill and guard our camp. Today I sent Capt Friend with the greater portion of his company some six miles distance to a little town called Fellowsville. He took one days rations and will return by tomorrow night. My objective was to make a reconnaissance in the only direction by which troops can approach the camp from the quarter near Jackson. We seem here to be out of danger from any attack especially since Lander is pushing ahead so rapidly; if our news is correct. This little town of Fellowsville is distant some seventy odd miles from Romney so you see we are distant from the scene of operations.

 

No letters from you dear wife for some three or four days, and I begin to feel some anxiety upon the subject. I know that you have written, but cannot imagine where your letters have gone to, unless Mr Anderson has given you the / impression that we were at New Creek and you have directed your letters there. This may be so, as he ordered all of his goods purchased for his establishment to be sent there under the idea that the regiment had moved to that point. You cannot imagine how great my disappointment was on yesterday when Mr Anderson arrived in camp, and said that he had sent a package from you as freight with his own things because he could not carry it with his general baggage. The package contains a letter from you which to me would be of more value than all the rest it might contain. I did not thank him once for not bringing it, but with great difficulty restrained myself from scolding soundly for his selfishness in not being willing to take a little trouble for me. Just to think, he had his overcoat & shawl to carry as he said / and could not bring the package, but sent it with his own freight. I hope to receive it tomorrow night, although it may pass by to New Creek where all the freight is shipped.

I received a letter from Eliza day before yesterday and answered it the same night. You no doubt have heard more lately from the family than myself, so that the news is old to you. When do you go to Louisville? I am afraid when you start there will be a gap in the receipt by you of my letters which cannot be avoided as they will stop one day or more at Cincinnati until I direct to Louisville I expect even this letter will have to be forwarded to you, at least I hope so as I believe you will be happier with your mother now than at home. I have written to all the children & now expect replies any day. Tottie I hope will at least postpone her visit until she learns more about her friends. Tell Jane that I delivered her ear bobs or whatever you call them to Dr Nelson which he received with thanks, and desired /

 

 

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me in writing to say many kind things for him which she must imagine as I cannot now repeat them. I went to my trunk this morning and found a little book which you darling little wife had placed there for me. I have read it nearly through and will probably finish it before I retire for the night. It has given me much pleasure and I hope to receive benefit [faded] from it. I read a portion of it aloud to the Major & Lieut Colⁿ they were much impressed with its beauty and truth. We together dear wife will place our trust in Jesus as the little book teaches. May God bless & protect you and ours always. Love to Jane and the dear children all & to Jane delivering her bands      Kisses

N C M^cL

 

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Continue to direct your letters here until I write to the contrary. I am writing by a dim light & have crossed my letter, which you know I dislike but paper here is not so plenty as at home & I am economical.

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