Feby 20. 1865

Camp Near Hachers Run Va.

 

Dear Sister.

                        Fathers letter dated Jany 28. was the last letter I received from home. since that I have written with this one three. Two weeks ago we left our old camp and are now encamped at the above place, near Hachers Run which should now be called The Fifth Corps Run for they did that at a double quick. We are now in the front works. not more than a hundred yards behind our picket line we can see the reble pickets easy. they are not thirty yards from their works. they cant trust them out of sight of the officers on account of desertions. they are coming in our lines faster at present than at any time during this war. they say that they wont/ fight and are all tired of the war. in front of Petersburg ladies are seene daily walking in the reble works. On the first day of April I will be at Brigade Head Quarters. The box that was sent has not arrived yet on account of the late move. I expect it is at City Point.

 

Our army here is very large and if it keeps on increasing as it has for the last two weeks we will have Richmond and Petersburg surrounded. We may have a battle here at any moment. if the war is to go on the rebles must try to get through our lines at one point or the other or starve and it is thought that we are at the place they will try to brake through. While I am writing this the Artillery on our right are firing salutes in honor/ of Gen Shermans victory at Branchville. We are now 5 1/2 miles from the North Carolina line. Dr Forney expects to be in Hanover in a week or two, and if the horn father has ordered has arrived try and send it by him if he can take it. if not write and let me know and I will try to go home for a short time or let him know how to send it. it is hard to get a furlough now unless one has a very good excuse such as sickness or death at home. If I had the horn I would not care about getting home untill it is for good, and that will be before my three years are up if I am not killed. I am shure that the war wont last very long anymore. If I do not come home or Dr Forney does not bring the horn/ I will find a way to get it.

 

                        Give my love to all and send a few stamps.

                                                                        Your Brother

                                                                        Henry C Metzger

 

I would not be surprised if we would move from here before night

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