Martinsburgh V^a

                                                                                 June 10^th 63.

 

Dear Father

                        Afew lines to you this afternoon while I have not much to do, and the only time I have not been on duty for the last three weeks. Happy to say that I am well & in good spirits. Unsuccessful as the Army of the Potomack has been, we still look forward for the day when the Rebels will be overpowered & found to submit. We are all hoping a speedy Peace, but we may be disappointed though not discouraged. I have only 28 months more and my time will expire but if need be I will remain in the service twice that time Rather then submit/to a set of Tyrants Thieves and Murderres. Have seen few hard marches & know a bout the beginning of a soldiers troubles. Its a hard life at best & full of danger too. Have now been out nearly 10 months & seen no fight but nevertheless have heard the bullets fly. But find out its not so easy to hit a man. Especially in the night.

 

We expected a raid through here last week but all is quiet now. All vegitation here is suffering for want of rain. Had no rain of any account for the last 7 weeks. Hay & Grain is very short & spring crops will not amount to anything. Will have to close & go on dress Parade. To morrow I will be on Picket/at the same place where they Bush whacked us one night. Had thought of coming home about the 4^th of July but have given it up May come home in Oct some time. Can get a furlough now for 10 days but I want go with one shot of 20 or 30 days. Any copperheads at Georgetown now? Our Colonel has turned out to be a secesh. The Boys are down on him & he may die with the bullet disease. But was were very fashionable a week or so ago to burn Barns I think a House will burn next. Our Colonel had a lot of men detailed day after day to clean up the streets in town for the secesh/They worked two days & the Colonel got a letter something like this. Have done all the Policing we are going to do. But if by your better judgement you should call us out again the Policing will end in the Burning of the entire City. None have been called since though he has three guards to guard Mrs Falkners Poesy bed & Roses. Her husband is Colonel in the Rebel army Colonel is  there half his time

 

                        All at this time—

From your son

            D. H. Connell

 

Answer soon

            E. Co. 126. Regt. O.V.I.

                        Martinsburgh Va

SOURCES