I expect you will get this letter before the one I wrote this morning

 

                                                                        Camp ________ Sunday, June 16.1861

 

            Dear Father.

                                    I had not written & sent my letter this morning five miniuts before we had marching orders. we passed through Williamsport and waded through the river and crossed the Vergenia line and are now three miles across the line and they say 7 miles from the enemy. the report that H Ferry was evacuated is not true there is 1700 of the enemy there and the best kind of soldiers. our camp is now 1 mile square and hold 11000 men and there is 15000 in our reere. we will move now ever day until we meet the enemy & we expect that every day. you can form no idea of the number of troops we pass. I do not know how to send a letter home after this. this I must send privately to York. all communication is cut off therefor this may be the last for some time wheneaver I get a chance I will write. our men are most all anxious for a fight. a cecessonist stands no chance here our troops takes every thing eatable & takes him prisinor besides. it is hard to tell where we will go to/

 

the enemy was encamped only a few days ago 2 miles from where we now are encamped they cut up all the boats at Williamsport where we crossed the river. I wish you was here a day or two only to see the number of troops. we are all well and in good spirits. they say we are right in among the enemys friends, but we dont mind that we are determined to sweep every thing before us. for the last three hours there is nothing but troops passing. at least 3000 Cavelry passed in that time besides Infantry &c. we are now in berkley County Vergenia tomorrower we expect to pass through H Ferry or encamp a short distance on this side it is heard to tell where we will go we may get orders to march right back again but it is not likely any thing else but sout. if the land in the south is all like this no wonder they have no provissions a kildee must carry a napsick to keep from starving. If you send a letter send it to Williamsport but it is doubtful whether we will get them. the enemy have dung wagons for baggage and no tents at all. I must bring my letter to a close as Mr Stair will soone lieve for York. Give my love to all

                                                            From your affect Son

                                                                        H C Metzger

SOURCES