Dumfries, Va., March 2, 1863.

 

Dear Sister.

                                                I received your last day before yesterday, but owing to circumstances I have been unable to answer till the present moment. Even now I cannot write much, for the simple reason that I have nothing to write about. We have had rain and snow almost constantly during the past month. Last night we were favored with a genuine thunder shower. We have a rumor in camp that the enemy has crossed the Rappahannock in force. If this be true we will, I suppose, be forced into a fight very soon; and should such be the case, Lee will get one of the neatest whippings he ever had. He will have a fine time getting back over the river. I/ do not credit the report, however.

 

            During the past few days we have had considerable skirmishing along our outposts. One of our cavalry outposts was surprised, two killed, one wounded and 18 captured. Heavy cannonading was also to be heard in our front, but we we have not yet learned the cause or result. I had command of our picket on the Brentsville road a few days ago, when the firing came quite close, so close we could hear the carbines of our cavalry. I drew my men up in line, and ambushed them along the road. I almost prayed for some rebel cavalry to fall on cursing but none came; they were taught a lesson at this place a short time ago. Buckeye nuts are hard to crack./

 

            I see a telegraphic dispatch from Columbus, Ohio, going the rounds of some of the daily papers, which reads as follows: “Gov. Tod has promoted Orderly Sergeant Hiram R. Proctor, of Co. I, 5^th C.V.I., to Lieut., for gallant conduct at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam.” There was a slight mistake in the dispatch, it should have read Cedar Mountain and Antietam. My commission dates back to the 11^th of last February. I am proud of my commission, knowing that I have won it in the field; it was sent directly to me, with a letter of advice for the future, and an acknowledgement of my past good conduct in the field. If my health is spared I shall win more laurels or perish in the attempt. I have not/ heard from brother John. I have had advertisements inserted in the daily papers of Cincinnati, asking for information concerning him. Should I hear of him I will inform you immediately.

 

            I will write in a day or so to our Cousin Arabella. I remember her now. She was quite small when we were at Uncle Eberlys; and if I remember rightly, she was not expected to live at one time. I would like to see Aunt Rebecca, I used to think she resembled our mother so much. I had a letter from father a few days ago; all well there. Also one from Kate, who is well.

 

            Excuse me this time. My love to Aunt and Uncle.

 

                                    Till again, dear sister, farewell.                                                                                                                                  Hiram

 

[margin] I have applied for a short leave of absence, for the purpose of going to Washington to purchase an outfit—sword, &c. If I have time, I will have some photographs taken and send you one.         H.

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