I received a letter from

Albert yesterday. He is in

Alexandria and likes first

rate.

                                                                                                Deep Bottom

                                                                                                            On The James, Va

                                                                                                                        Aug 6^th 1864

 

Dear Friend Harriet

                                    Yours of the first came to hand last night and as I have nothing to do just now will take the pen and try to answer it although will not promise to write you a very long letter for it is very warm and I am to lazy to write.

 

            Everything is quiet here at presant. General Sheridans Cavalry force and the second Corps came over here about ten days ago and / advanced a short distance and captured four pieces of Artilery and a fiew prisoners and then returned to Petersburg. since then we have had nothing of interest excepting the capture of our Lieut Colonel. He was Officer of the field and was visiting the picket line and the Rebs made a dash and captured him. We miss him very much he was a very fine man. Samuel Gilbert was over here from Petersburg yesterday to see us. He is a quite a good looking Soldier. The news from P—is not quite as favorable as we would like to hear. The heaviest fireing we have ever heard in that direction was last night. it was one continual roar of Artilery. it sounded like the roaring of a hundred thunder showers all at once but we have / not heard the results. hope it may have been at liest one step towards putting down this cursed Rebellion. How little our Folks at the North know of this war. I wish some of them could see what we can see here at a glance and that is but little comparitively. plesant Homes and firesides made desolate. Buildings, Gardens Orchards and fields destroyed and wasted When we first came here there was several as pleasant Resideces as one would wish to see and now is one continual line of Fortifications. it is enough to make ones hart sicken to think of it—

 

The fellows are all well they are on picket today. Sylvester is with them. he received some things by express a day or two ago. every thing was in good condition. George Maynards / Box was nearly all spoiled.

 

            You wished me to write you when I expected to bee at home. It is impossible to tell. I understand that the Government will not recognize us and if they dont we shall go home with the Regiment which will probably bee in September we do not know for a certainty whether they will keep us or not. we shall probably know soon. It is about time for the mail to close so I shall be obliged to draw this dry letter to a end hopeing you will excues all mistakes and write soon.

 

                                                                        From your friend

                                                                                    Elbridge Hume

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