Camp near Raleigh N. C

                                                                                                April 23^rd 1865

 

            My Dear Fannie

                                    It is sunday, and I am as lonesom as a dog. so I am going to write you a letter and see if I can’t pass off some of the day more agreably. I have nothing to read, can’t go to Church, and have nothing to do so the time hangs heavily on my hands.

 

            There has nothing new occured since I wrote you last. we are here in camp waiting for the order to come which will send us on our way home rejoicing. it is certain that the war is over I guess. I have heard it rumored that we were to march from here to some point near Washington and there remain until mustered out of the service. it would be a long march but we could get home much quicker than by waiting for Transportation by Rail Road. we shall probably pass through Richmond and have a chance to see where Grant and his Army have been at work so long and with so good / success. Fannie I wish you could be here tomorrow. you would see a grand military Review, and a splendid sight it will be too. the 17^th Army Corps is to be reviewed at 10 o’clock by Genl Sherman the review will take place in the City of Raleigh I expect it will be a big thing. every Officer and man is expected to come out in his sunday clothes and present as good an appearance as possible. Yesterday the 20^th A.C. was reviewed they presented a very fine appearance, but we are going to try and beat them if possible. we will let William see that we can be gay soldiers as well as good fighters. we have earned a good name on the battle field, where the bullets were whistling and our Comrads falling around us. and I think now that such work is done, that we can sustain our reputation by our good conduct and military appearance.

 

            Well, Fannie I commenced this letter yesterday but did not finish it, so will do so now. the Review is over and it was a splendid affair. Genl^s Grant and Sherman were both out. Genl Grant arrived last evening just in time to be present at the Review this morning. /

 

Fannie when I commenced this letter yesterday I thought the war was over, but it is now rumored that the terms of surrender were not ratifyed at Washington, and that we are to move out to morrow morning to compel him (Johnson) to surrender unconditionally I was in hopes that the thing was wound up but if William thinks we had better fight a little more why then we must fight but woe to the Johnnies if this Army is ever let loose at them again, for I believe that they will kill, burn and destroy every thing that comes in their way. I am somewhat of that opinion myself. if they dont give up now, I am in for making this country a wilderness as soon as possible and then we will people it with a better race of beings. it may be possible that we will not go. Fannie I got a letter from Glen a day or two ago, and one yesterday from Mother from which I learned of the death of Father Brownell (my step Father) it will be a severe blow to Mother. she is getting old now and of course his death will have a more serious effect than it would were she young and stronger. I should like to go home and stay with her a few weeks now / she will be so lonely. if we do not move immediately I shall try to get a forlough and go home. Sister Kate is with her, so she is not alone

 

            Well, Fannie dear I guess I will close, for I want this to go out in this evenings mail. to-morrow we may start on another campaign, so good by. please write soon and accept much love from

 

                                                            Your Affectionate

                                                                                    Frank

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