We move to-night—Tell my parents I will write if possible to them to-morrow

we go West, If my things (tell Father)

are in Washington

to-morrow noon I can get them                                                Sept 24^th 1863

 

Dear Boys.

                        I little expected when I bid Jesse good-bye in Newark, that it was the last time I should see him before leaving for the seat of war; but so it was unfortunately destined to be. It would have been a great satisfaction to me to have been able to see you and all my other friends in Philadelphia, but this pleasure was denied me by the force of circumstance, and accordingly I am here without having had an opportunity of bidding you all good-bye.

 

            The Thirty Third left Newark on the 9^th inst. on reaching Newark Bay, was transferred to the Ocean Steamers De Wolay and Dualey Buer, had a pleasant voyage, anchored/ opposite Alexandria, on Saturday afternoon; and disembarked in Washington on Sunday at 5 P.M. The same day, we crossed the “long bridge” and bivouacked for the night in the vicinity of Fort Albany

 

            Next morning we commenced laying out a Camp and preparing ourselves for a comfortable sojourn on ground within easy sight of the Capitol. About noon, we were disturbed in our work by an aid of Gen. Casey’s who brought us orders to “proceed to Warrenton and there report to Head Quarters Army of the Potomac.” Being without rations and only partially equipped, we were unable to start until next day at noon. We camped or rather “put up” for the night” near Bailey’s Cross Roads. Next day we marched about thirteen miles, passing through the little village of Fairfax Court House./

 

Thursday we passed through Centerville and over the field of Bull Run bavouacking near the small collection of houses known as Gainesville

 

            Friday we passed through New Baltimore and entered Warrenton, driving therefrom a squad of fifty rebel cavalry. We encamped about a mile beyond Warrenton, having thrown out a strong picket and camp guard; as we anticipated an attack by the Rebels, to whom our large wagon train would have been a valuable acquisition. The attack did not come off although towards the morning there was an alarm causing the whole regiment to spring to arms, originating in the over-vigilant exertions of a sentry, who discovering a body moving in the underbrush, challenged it, ordering it to halt twice. The party challenged paying no attention, the sentry/ fired. At daylight a wounded bleeding mule belonging to one of our teams was discovered limping around camp He was speedily put out of his misery. On Saturday: discovering no signs of our own troops and being out of rations, we were obliged to put for the nearest point occupied by our army, and accordingly started for Warrenton Junction, near which we are now encamped. We are assigned to the 2^d Division Eleventh Corps: and it was our expectation that we would remain here for some time, in order to enable us to drill and discipline the regiment. But to-day we received orders to be in readiness to move with five days cooked rations. In all probability we will move to morrow; we take the cars at Cutletts Station thence to Washington where we will take the Road to the Relay House, then via the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-Road to the West (probably via Parkersburg Va) to join either Gen. Burnside or Rosecrans.

 

            I am quite pleased at the prospect of going West, and hope we will be assigned to the command of Gen. Burnside.

 

            Our Regiment has behaved itself remarkably well; and has disappointed the expectations formed of it from its behaviour at Newark. As yet I have received no letters from home, but expect to to morrow, unless they should be delayed by our moving.

 

            Has Jesse been to see Miss T. or has Mother brought her to see him? If Jesse keeps on growing in the good graces of the young lady, I shall commence to be jealous. She is one of my best, I might safely say the best of my lady friends; dont you think as she is a fine girl? I would like you to call and see her, for my sake. Give my love to your Father and Mother and tell them I am very sorry I was unable to see them before leaving, but it was not my fault. Write soon to me; tell my folks you have heard from me. Direct to me 33^d New Jersey 2^d Div 11^th Corps via Washington. My love to both of you—Remember me to the Prescott Boys—

 

                                                Your Sincere friend

                                                            William H. Lambert

                                                                        Adjutant

SOURCES