Camp near Halltown Va.

                                                                                                            March 19^th 1864

 

Dear Brother

                        It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines we are all well at present and I hope this may find you all enjoying the same blessing W^m Smith has got right well again part of the Regt. returned to Camp again from Halls Island last evening and part of the boys were detailed to stay there and do Guard Duty Jos. Borland and George P. Lentz stayed out of our mess and Robt. Anderson went on Picket this morning / so there is none but W^m Smith Jas. English and myself in the shanty today and it is a good thing that it is pretty strongly built or it would undoubtedly have been torn down today It is reported here that Gen. Ewells Corps of Rebels have moved into the Shenandoah Valley but I do not know whether it is true or not but I guess if it is so there is room enough in this Valley for them and us too but if they want Harpers Ferry they will have to fight for it I think that if they are in the Valley at all it is for the purpose of getting supplies and not with the intention of advancing / into Maryland or Pennsylvania but I would not care for my part if the whole Rebel army would make a raid into Pa. this Spring I believe it would end the War quicker than any other plan that could be adopted

 

Colonel Collier got back to the Regt. on the night before last and I hope he will stay with us now he looks as though Washington life agreed with him this is most beautiful weather here there has not been much rain since I came back and the ground is quite dry but I must close I recd. a letter from Bell. on thursday it was written on the 14^th of this month hoping to hear from you soon I remain your affectionate Brother R Gunter

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