Opposite Fredricksburg Va.

Tuesday Jan. 20^th 1863

 

My Dear, Dear Wife

                                                                                    I have not received a letter from you since the one containing the money although I have looked anxiously for one. We have been under marching orders for a week and during that time the camp has been full of rumors as to where we were going Conjectures are useless now as we know that we are to cross the river again and give battle to the Rebs. tomorrow morning is the time designated our Brigade is to cross into the City as it did before Burnside will make us gain a victory/this time if 3/4 of the army are annihilated. They are making great preperations for the coming Battle all civilians have got to leave the army immediately even to sutlers clerks have got to go White I hear started yesterday. He started in a bad time as he will not be allowed to come farther than Washington untill after the battle The things sent us will if received directly after the Battle be most acceptable then to such of us as are fortunate enough to get off with our lives It has been quite cold for the past week and now has the appearence of a snow storm If we were to remain here we could take comfort we have a nice warm tent/The boys say it is the best one in the Regt. We dug into the side hill and built up with logs. our fire place this time is perfect it is as good one as you ever saw does not smoke at all If either John or me should get killed I don’t know what the other would do I think I should become worthless to the army. We live so well together that were both parties single I think we should Marry I did not write the letter I promised to the night after I wrote my last I must close. The order to fight may be countermanded may God bless & protect you come what may       Co Court                     Court

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