Fredrick Maryland Oct. 2 1862

 

Dear Daling Wife

                                    My last letter was a mixed mess closed in haste We had as I told you orders to march that day we got all ready but did not start ‘till Tuesday morn at 7 oclock we marched to Washington where we staid ‘till Wednesday morning waiting for means of transportation to this place The Regiment lay in the street all day Tuesday at night we marched to the rear of the Capitol & laid down on the green grass & slept till four the next morning when we took the cars to this place which we reached about 10 oclock last night/

 

On the march the men have hard times But I get along first rate the Day we spent in washington while the men were lying in the street I with Leuit Packer was cruising all over the city I was all over the Capitol in the Senate chamber & House of Representatives it was thougherly guarded it is all used as is every other Public building as a hospital The Leuit said it was brass that passed me around when I came to a guard I always had important business from the Provost Marshall or some other important personage & it always passed me But you will be more/anxios to know where I am going to than to hear that nonsense we were ordered up here with thousands more to reinforce M^cClellan We shall probably march to day for Harpers Ferry I think the plan is to follow up the rebel army. This place Fredrick is as far as Ston the Rebel army got on their march into Maryland we crossed a bridge last night that was torn up by the rebels This place is where Stonewall Jackson issued his proclamation to the people of Maryland It is pretty well tinctured with Seccession But I have been all over the place this morning tell mother I saw Martin Leach this morning he belongs to the 5 Co he is well/

 

Last night as night before we lay out doors I am tough as a pine knot I woke up this morning I could wring water out of my blankets there was such a heavy dew I dont mind such things at all I saw Amos Partelo’s two boys this morning. The union cause looks favorable now if we are only successful in the coming battles we will strike the death blow to rebellion Dont fear for me I shall do my duty let come what will There is not a moment that you are out of my mind How happy I shall be when the thing is finished up & my face turned homeward but dont draw the inference from that that I am home sick for I like soldiering first rate we have had but one or two cold nights yet; one of the coldest I lay out on Picket duty and did not suffer I suppose you must direct to Washington as before I think I shall get them as soon that way as any direct as I ordered before leaving out all about Brigades & Divisions

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