Oct 19/62

 

                                                                                                Uptons Hill Va

                                                                                                Sun.            Oct. 19. 1862—

 

Dr Sis. Abbie,

            I am unable to say certainly whether I have written you since I came into Va. At any rate I have written Nan, & often times one letter must do for a the whole family. It is sunday noon. I have just eaten my dinner. It is a very warm day. We have August days and November nights. I was uncomfortable with for the cold at sunrise this morning with my dress coat and overcoat on all buttoned up. This noon I am uncomfortable with for the heat, in my shirt sleeves. There is a pretty good prospect for the Ague under such circumstances. On the whole I am quite well. / Slight colds, and occasional attacks of the Diarrhea are the only troubles I’ve had since I’ve been a soldier

 

I have been at times decidedly sick of my occupation. But on the whole am as contented as I should be at almost anything. I dont have much time to think of being discontented. Many days I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t find time to wash before ten-oclock in the morning. My belt is fastened in by the same hole as it has ever been. So you see I stand service pretty well.

 

We had a seven-mile march a few days ago from Camp Chase here. We are now upon an out-post. Hurra! I can stand anything but a camp in a place of perfect security. It is awful dull there.

 

I am treated very well indeed by all the Officers. I was expecting some different business the other / day. but our first Lt. didnt get the place I expected he would.

 

            There is a report this morning that we are to pass the winter in Washington. I would rather pass it in the field. Let come what there may—The sanitary condition of the Regt. is very good indeed. We have but 4 sick in my company. Some of them seem to be “playing it”

 

            I was at Fall’s Church yesterday. It is just within our picket lines. There was never a more God forsaken place than this part of Va. Groves, orchards, ornamental trees are all leveled. some have been burned, others are lying rotting on the ground. The only fence I have seen since I crossed the Potomac was at Fall’s Church, a few rods of rail, left because there was plenty of dry wood to burn / without it. Of Fall’s Church nothing remains but the shell, and one pew. I enclose you a piece of the a panel of the last pew of Fall’s the noted Fall’s Church.

 

            25 of our pickets have just come back to camp about 3 PM. Pickets & camp guards have their muskets all loaded. Woe to the rebel who doesnt obey orders. There isn’t much danger of an attack here.

 

            I cannot write as I would, nor as much as I would. If my friends at home dont answer my letters they need not expect to hear from me again. till next time. I had some pictures taken at Concord. I presume you have received one ere this.          S.W.L.

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