Camp 5^th N. J. Vols.,

                                                                                                Near Falmouth, Va.,

                                                                                                            January 16, 1863.

 

My Dear Father—

                                    We are under “orders” again for an “expedition”, “reconnoisance”, or, perhaps, “battle.” This afternoon, we were directed to prepare three days’ cooked rations, and “be ready to move on” to morrow, at an early hour.” Of course, being interested, there is some speculation (in camp) as to magnitude of the move, its direction, and the part we are to play in it. We are quite as ignorant as you could possibly be, in reality, although we have some reports as to movements of the rebel army which give us a clue as to the point of observation. The enemy is said to have withdrawn its picket force from the opposite side of the river, and have left no visible trace of their presence in our immediate front. They all reported in “force” further up the river. It may / be assumed, therefore, if the foregoing be true, that a reconnoisance will be made “in force”, in the direction of Fredericksburg. It is doubtful if we move out of camp to-morrow—as we have but the bare order to be ready to move at an early hour. If it be as I suppose a demonstration “in front,” it will hardly be probable that we shall be reached so soon. Every thing is to be left in camp as on our recent trip, so we cannot be going to Richmond yet.

 

                                    This A.M. we had the heaviest fall of rain of any since our encampment here. It is now clear & cold, with a prospect of its freezing before morning.

 

                                    If the move about to take place is the prelude to a battle, it is the first time that one, that that appears so extensive, has been conducted with so much secrecy, as to have kept it, generally, from the / public press and from the army. May it prove more than a success.

 

                                    The last letter from you was of the 29^th Dec. I have written you two or three since first January. Had this “order” been deferred a day or two, I should have had a good opportunity to get the articles I have sent for carried. I shall now have to wait until the expedition is over. You will wait until I write again.

 

                                    I am in good health, and spirits, and hope to return in safety for which I shall humbly pray. My strength is in God. I have no doubt, or fear.

 

                                    I send love to all at home.

 

                                                            Very truly,

                                                                                    M. S. Austin,

                                                                                                2^nd Lt. Co. “G.”

                                                                                                            5^th N. J. Vols.

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