Head Qrs 1^st Div 11^th Corps

Brooks Station April 14^th 1863

 

            No letter from you today dear wife. When I fail to hear from you now I begin to fear your cold has made you too sick to write. It is hard to be away from you, and feel that perhaps you are sick and suffering. Most heartily do I wish this miserable war was at an end, so that peace and quiet would again bless our country. How much the traitors have to answer for, and I must earnestly believe that God will in due time inflict his punishment upon them for all their wickedness. As yet we have very little light as to the end that will surely come, and in fact some things look depressing in regard to our immediate success, but my faith is unshaken as to the final result. The attack on Charleston has not yet succeeded, and we have / lost the [?]. Genl Foster has also been probably forced to surrender by this time. These things are adverse, but I hope soon there will be heard a shout of triumph for this army which will give a death blow to the rebellion. Everything indicates a speedy advance. We have tonight on hand eight days rations, and could march in the morning if the order should come all prepared. In fact we are expecting orders every day and from this out will hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments notice. As I wrote you yesterday our whole cavalry force has gone forward and all day I have been listening for the sound of their guns, but as yet all is silent. I most sincerely trust they may be able to accomplish this mission. What that is I can only conjecture for I have no definite information upon the subject. Such a force of / cavalry ought to be able to do some great damage upon the line of communications of the enemy, which would cut off his supplies and force him back from his entrenchments. Should this take place we can meet upon times of equality, and then I have no fears as to the result. I would give much to know the plans of Genl Hooker, but as I do not, it is scarcely worth while to conjecture as I might be altogether in the wrong. I have heard him say that he knew the position of the enemy with certainty, and could tell where all their camps and entrenchments were. He has spies who keep him thoroughly posted and I hope correctly. Soon our time will come for action and I trust that God will prosper us in the time of trial. It would be a terrible affair to have this army defeated, and I do not believe it can be done by the rebels if we are properly commanded. /

 

Our first march will no doubt be a hard one, as it is understood no wagons are to go with us, and all we eat is to be carried by the men in their knapsacks and haversacks. By the by, I never told you John made me a present of a handsome leather haversack, which I intend to use for my comfort in this campaign. Heretofore I have always neglected this, and depended upon our mess chest, which often times does not come up with us. Now however I will have two chances for something to eat.

 

Be of good courage darling wife and trust in the mercy of God that he will again unite us in love and peace. I go to him always for strength to perform every duty, and his power has always contained me. Shall we not trust to him again. His will in all things will govern, and whatever it may be, let us submit with trusting faith.

 

Love to the dear children and all the family, with warm loving kisses to darling wife—

                                                                                                                                   

M^cL

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