Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Centerville Oct 30^th /62

 

            We are still quietly encamped at this place dear wife with every prospect of remaining for some time as we are waiting upon the pleasure of Gen^l Schurz. As his camping ground is more agreeable than ours it is very probable that he will take his own time for marching and he may keep us here until we are ordered forward. It does not however seem very likely that we will move in advance for so far we have been kept as an advance guard, and have as yet received no intimation of a forward movement from this point. This no doubt will please you, but it prevents us from having any share in driving the rebels from Virginia which I hope will be done before winter comes / I feel that we are to be kept here because I see by the newspapers which have reached us since I last wrote you, that the army of the Potomac is advancing whilst no intimation of a movement from this point has been received. I will not complain that we are left behind, if I can only have you near or with me. As yet of course I cannot tell with any degree of certainty where the winter will find me. It may be that orders may arrive today for an advance by Sigel which will destroy all my plans, but I do not anticipate any such thing. We live however you know in a state of great uncertainty in camp and cannot speak with any degree of certainty in regard to tomorrow. Let us take it for granted that I remain as near Washington City as Fairfax and make our present calculations upon that basis. 

 

            How soon would you like to come on, and would you prefer to first make a visit to Louisville? In this matter I intend you to decide for yourself as to your movements & where you have decided I will try and carry out your wishes. I intended yesterday to visit Fairfax with Dr Hart for the purpose of seeing what could be done in the way of quarters for the winter but just as I was ready to mount my horse, an order came from Gen^l Stahel putting me in command of the post during his temporary absence. This of course broke up my visit, but I think today I will ride over and see what can be done. Dr Hart went without me and brings back rather an unfavorable report. He says every house is filled even to the garret rooms with officers, so that unless some good places are vacated / by the division of Carl Schurz when he moves to this place (if he even does) there will be a poor chance for you in Fairfax. This however need not prevent your coming on for I can get rooms for you in Washington City, and at least visit you oftener than at present. Make your mind up thus at once as to your movements, and write me and I hope by the time I receive your reply to this letter our status for the winter will be decided. The weather today is magnificent, and if our troops are to move forward atall now is the time. How do you think baby will stand the trip? I am afraid you will find trouble, as the connections are now rarely made by the cars. We must try and find some friend to take charge of you as far as Washington City. All this however must be for the future, and how little can we tell of that. Love to Eliza and the children, with devoted love for darling wife—M^cLean

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