Newburg Va Feb 18^th 1862

 

            I telegraphed you dear wife that we would march yesterday from this place, and so we did but I have returned for a few moments in order to get our baggage train along. Last night we reached Evansville said to be only five miles from this place, but Virginia miles over mountains are certainly half as long again as Ohio miles. The men bore the march finely. They kept in fine spirits during the whole march. We reached our destination after dark, and placed the men in some empty houses in the village. This morning they are bright and cheerful and all say that they are well satisfied with these quarters. Only three of our wagons were able to get through. The rest stuck in the mud, some of them in sight of this place. My return here is on account of the baggage train. I have made the effort to march with the / the number of wagons allowed me and find after restricting the men to everything as near regulation allowance as I can, that the roads are in such a terrible state as to render it utterly impossible for me to march without more means of transportation. I shall therefore press into my service all the teams in the neighborhood and tomorrow march from Evansville. You can therefore see dear wife from yesterday's experience that my trip to Beverly will in all probability be a long one, and you must not expect to hear from me again after I leave here until I write from that place. I march across the country where there are no post offices excepting at rare intervals and at them the mails are probably only sent once a week. Do not therefore imagine that I am in trouble if you do not hear from me, but keep up a brave heart. You have everything to cheer you. I am at the head of a fine regiment, marching across a country / where there is no enemy at present that I can hear of with only bad roads to contend with. This march will inure the men to service, and I intend to spare them as much as I can.

 

Major Reily, Col Constable Capt's Johnson & Friend are all well & in good spirits. What a ridiculous story about Capt Friend. His men are very much attached to him. I read that portion of your letter in which you mentioned him to him whilst he was surrounded by his men, and it created much amusement. Believe no such rumors in regard to any of us. You must guard yourself against all such things and make up your mind now, not to be frightened at any such romances. You will hear plenty of rumors no doubt, but wait always until you can get certain information, for you may be sure that I will send it to you as soon as possible on every occasion. Be a brave soldier, dear little wife if you love me 

 

Your last letter has confirmed my suspicions in regard to your health and I am rejoiced at it dear wife, although it will bring you much suffering. This is an additional reason darling wife for you to guard your feelings in every possible way. If you permit yourself to brood over things which may never happen our child might be affected by it. I know that you will for this additional reason cheer up. I have stayed out of time and must now mount for Evansville. Give my love to your mother, Father, Ann Eliza Linda Jane & all the children and family. God bless you & them dear wife. Write to me at Beverly, and pray for our speedy meeting, as a happiness which will be great & mutual—

                                                                                               

N. C. M^cLean

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