Feby 17.65

Camp Near Hachers run Va

 

Dear Father.

                        We are now encamped six miles to the left of our old camp and in the front works. For the last two weeks we have had hard times. nothing to sleep in but shelter tents and a rubber blanket. We are building Winter Quarters again. Our Corps was in the late engagement, but not our brigade. If part of the fifth Corps had not of broken we would have the South side R.Road now. Hundreds of men had feet and ears frozen in this last move and thousands will be sent to the Hospital sick. When I was home Mr Cremer thought that a line/ of battle 25 miles long was a Devil of a line. You can now tell him that our line is over 43 miles long and defended by over 250.000 men. Our Corps is by far the smallest one in this army, and we draw rations for 23298 men. by averaging the Corps at 30000, would make our army here 270.000 men besides the Artillery The 2.5.6.9.15.18.23.24. and 25 Corps are with us. The box Mother sent has not arrived yet on account of the late move. I expect it is a City Point. as soone as it arrives I will write. I have not received a letter from home for two weeks and have written none for want of time. As soone as you get the horn write and let me know, so that I can let/ You know how to send it. Dr Forney expects to go home in a short time. perhaps you can send it by him. If you do write me a letter by mail. Our pickets and the rebles exchange papers every day. I will try and get one to send home.

 

The next letter you write send me a few stamps but do not send many the letter may be lost. the last letter I received from home was dated Jany 28. I must bring this to a close. we are busy at our Winter Quarters.

 

News we have none

 

            Give my love to all and write soone.

                                                                        Your Son

                                                            Henry C Metzger

SOURCES