Send me some postage stamps.

 

Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Gainesville Nov 3^rd /62

 

            You see from the name of our camp that we did move on yesterday in spite of my incredulity, but I was so far right that we did not march until long after the hour at which we were commanded to be ready. In obedience to orders I marched on yesterday to Manassas Junction with my brigade, and remained there all night, and until relieved this morning by the division of Gen^l Sickles. I then marched by way of the battlefield of Bull Run to this point, where we may probably remain for a day or two. Thus you see dear wife from present appearances we have commenced a campaign which will probably last until the winter weather drives us into quarters for the season. Where that will be no one can tell. Perhaps at Richmond & possibly / back towards Washington City. All depends in my judgment upon Gen^l M^cClellan and his army. If he pushes the rebels so as to compel them to fight and is successful in beating them, then indeed we may hope to reach Richmond in a very short time. If on the other hand the rebels are successful, or even if they succeed in preventing our advance then we will be forced to winter nearer Washington than we now are. The days seem now to pass very slowly, and I count every one that goes as bringing me that much nearer to you, for I will not give up the hope of passing the winter with you. I wrote you that Mrs Friend & Mrs Fox and Mrs Hart were with us at Centerville. They expected to [?] at that place when we advanced, but I placed an ambulance at their service and they went as far as Manassas Junction with us. This morning however they had to go back. Capt Friend escorted / on their way. Mrs Friend & Mrs Fox go home but Mrs Hart will stop in Georgetown probably for the winter, or at least until we go into winter quarters, and then if possible she will join her husband. I told her she had better not go home, as I intended bringing you out to our quarters if it were possible to do so.

 

            Today I marched the whole brigade directly over the spot where we had our fight. The men seemed to be very much interested, and each one had his story to tell of something which had happened within his personal knowledge. Poor Terry is still there, with nothing left but his hide & bones. Would it not be singular if we were to have another Bull Run battle? It is within the range of possibility, and if we are pressed by a surprise force coming through Thoroughfare Gap it may happen within a short time. I cannot believe however that this will occur, for if M^cClellan advances / the rebels will not dare to expose themselves to a flank attack by Burnside, which would happen if they attempted to force us back by Bull Run battlefield. Burnside is said to be at Purcellville or possibly Snickersville, and by a glance at the map you will see, if the rebels dash at us through Thoroughfare Gap he could with all ease attack their flank or get into their rear. They will not risk this but will keep all but small bodies of troops on the other side of the mountains from us. As we are now on the march you must not expect to hear from me so regularly as it may not be possible for me to write as often as I have done, but I will do my best and write whenever I can. Do not imagine that anything is the matter when you do not hear excepting that I am on the march & unable to write. Write to me as usual and your letters will reach me sooner or later. Love to Eliza and the children with loving good night kisses to darling wife & one to baby—

M^cLean

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