Norfolk Va. Oct. 18^th 1863.

 

Mamie Dearest

                        I wrote you on Wednesday since then I have received a very kind letter from you. To day is Sunday & very quiet but how different from Sunday at home. I suppose you about this time you are getting ready to go to church I wish I was there to assist you but I am afraid if I had just got home this morning that I should neglect my spiritual welfare by staying at home. * * * * It is fine pleasant weather here yet & I think there may be something done in this Dept. yet before winter I see there is likely to be a second third Bull Run battle/

 

Last Friday was to have been a great day for this City Dr. Wright one of the leading Physicians was to have been hung for the Shooting of Lt. Sanborn of the colored troops, but he was reprieved for one week by the President His friends have done every thing in the world to get him clear but was all of no avail. His daughter was married last night in the Prison where her father is Last Wednesday night I went on an Expidition that promised some adventure on the afternoon of that day the Adjutent sent down for me I went up to him he asked me if I should like to go out a little way & get a couple Reb. soldiers that were at home on furlough I of course told him yes He then/told me that I had been selected to go & would have four men to go with me Well I got my four men & reported to Capt Croft for final orders. of him I learned that the Adjts little way was 21 miles right into the enemys country & that the two Reps were four. He told me that I should have the Gen. Ambulance & four the best horses in Norfolk & nigger for a guide About 5 oclock we started & when just out of the city we found the ambulance & guide together with a Govt detective who was to accompany us From the nigger I learned that the reps were armed but I did not care as we were armed with revolvers Capt Croft having lent me his which was a spendid one/

 

We arrived at the place about nine oclock & all were abed we awoke them & went in but found the rebs had gone there being nobody at home we searche but two women the wife of one of the Rebs and his sister, both splendid looking women We searched the house for papers & also another house & barn but found nothing of importance but having orders we arrested a man & the wife of this Rebel soldier (for kidnaping) & started for home we got back about 4 oclock the next morning On account of not finding the Rebs the trip was not so adventurous as it would have been but it was quite dangerous as the country is full of Guerillas & if we had delayed any we might have had to made their acquaintance. I expect if I had captured them reps I should have covered myself all over in glory. Tell mother she had better sell the cow & if Clark pays that note you had better deposit the money in the Westerly Savings Bank in your own name

                                                            No More                                  Court.

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