Sunday March 30^th/62

                                                                        Camp near Strasburg

 

Dear Brother

                        I received your interesting letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you. I suppose you little thought at the time you were writing that letter that I was at the same time with the rest of our Brigade pursuing old Stone Wall Jackson. I always thought that our boys were good for a tramp but the Rebels out run them this time. they had a pretty good start off us and they made good use of their time. the people here say that the rebels came through on a double quick. They may talk of our troops running from Manasses but that was nothing when compared to the way / the Secesh left Winchester

 

We seen where they had burnt their tents and in the small towns through which we passed we seen their wounded In one place there were several oxen which had been killed & skinned but the Rebels had to suspend further operations on account of the sudden arrival of the Yankees. We have a great many contrabands along with the Brigade from around Winchester also a lot of horses. almost all the the Captains has one and Comp C is not behind as our Captain has a splendid little Mare which was captured by one of the teamsters about 4 miles from here.

 

Bank’s whole army is here and will likely stay for a short time until our provision trains come up. There is pretty good authority for / saying that our Brigade will go to Centreville. You know that we were on our way there when this fight came off and we were ordered back. We were to relieve Gen Sumner there. They have commenced work on the Bridge at this point for the Infantry and Wagons to cross and as this Bridge is on the road to Centreville it looks as if it was intended for us. one Reason why I think so is this. Gen Shields Division is quartered about 3 miles from us on the road leading to [?] Jackson & staunton while we lay along side of the BR and Turnpike leading to Manasses so that unless Jackson wants to see us again as I dont think he he will, I think we will most likely be on the march to / Centreville

 

I must be short this time as I want to write to Hem

 

Give my love to Mother

to all the rest of the

Family & receive the same

Yourself from your affectionate

                        Bro Dan

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