Camp Crab Bottom

April 10^th 1862

           

We are about to send back some teams which were pressed into our service, and I have about ten minutes to write you a line. We are encamped within six miles of Monterey where Gen^l Milroy has preceded us. We occupy the quarters of the 44^th Virginia rebel infantry who left here last week. Our obligations are great to Col Scott who commanded the 44^th for the very comfortable quarters which he provided for us. The cabins which we occupy are generally floored with plank and our men are with very few exceptions very comfortable. As yet we have met with no rebel troops. They keep out of our sight, retreating faster than we can advance / Ever since our first days march from Huttonsville we have had each day terrible storms. We seem to have the luck of hard weather for our marches. Snow sleet rain & mud afford our variety. In crossing over the Allegheny mountains we marched through clouds of snow & sleet. The scarlet maple buds before the storm were just bursting out and colored a brilliant scarlet. The sleet as it fell froze and the buds were encased in a crystal palace of ice of about one inch and a half in diameter. They presented a beautiful appearance. The whole forest was encased in ice and presented a most beautiful appearance. Our view from the mountains was however circumscribed to a few feet on account of the storm.

 

I do not know when I can / write you again but I will embrace every opportunity of doing so that offers. You must continue to write to me as usual as no doubt some day your letters will reach me after awhile. Above all dear wife do not feel alarmed at not hearing from me as I am beyond the regular mail and can only send letters by special messenger.

 

            I wrote you from Camp Allegheny by Mr Fox sending you one thousand dollars which I hope may reach you safely. Have no fears for me as I am doing well and will I firmly believe be protected by the ruler of all things in the performance of my duty. May he protect you and all my loved ones at home and soon unite us in peace & happiness. Love to the children / and all the family, with loving kisses for my darling wife—

N. C. M^cLean

 

We march from here soon after the rebels I can say no more

N. C. M^cL.

SOURCES