Nov 19^th 1862

                                                                                    Camp Casey Near Fairfax Seminary

 

                        Dear Cousin Frank

                                                            I have at last got seated to write to you, but whether I shall be able to finish without being stopped, I cannot tell, I never was in a place, where I had so little time to myself before. But I will keep at it & write while I can. I have received both your letters & very gladly too, for if I am not able to write myself I like to receive letters from my friends. You will observe by the date of this that we have changed our camp, a small hitch farther south. We are now situated near Fairfax Seminary formerly a female institution/of considerable note, now used as hospital for sick & wounded soldiers. The grouds about it were once elegantly laid out, & it was a beautiful place, but now like the surrounding country, war has rendered it a place of ruin & desolation. Our camp is nine miles south of Washington & two miles west of Alexandria. Our situation is the most pleasant we have occupied as yet, the surrounding country being of a romantic nature, such as suits your humble servant. Another thing of a romantic nature is that we have picket duty to do once in a while & generally our line extends through thick woods, which are full of game, but nary shot must be fired at that, as it would be the signal of alarm./

 

We have been laying out our streets & clearing of the ground in great style. we have Sibley tents with stoves & have been making preparations just as though we were going to stay here all winter. in fact that seems to be the general impression, but from some information which I obtained from pretty good authority, I think it rather doubtful. there is a possibility of it, but I think it extremely doubtful. If we do not stay here we shall probably take passage for Richmond.

 

I was surprised the other day at receiving a call from Thomas who I presume you are aware is in the convalesent camp just this side of Alexandria. I was sorry to find that he was unwell, but I think he will get well & be all right again/

 

As for myself, I never was in better health though there is a good deal of sickness in the Regiment.

 

                                                            Nov 20^th

I have written this in the greatest possible hurry just as I have to do all my writing. It is rather provoking sometimes just as you get seated & think you have a little time to yourself, to hear the order fall in, but that is the way it goes & still as a general thing I enjoy myself first rate. Today it rains & were I not on guard I could spend it pretty much please as I please, but never mind I have managed to scribble this, which if you can read, you will do better than I can, with any amont of ease. I tell you the appearance of the sacred soil in this rain is very much like soft putty & it is very similar in its qualities too. Now please write as soon as convenient & direct to Alexandria, Va   Please remember me to all who feel interested & accept this from

 

                                                                        Your Aff^t Cousin

                                                                                    R K Woodruff

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