Head Quarters Wrights Brigade

                                                                                    Camp near Massaponax Church

                                                                                                March 22^d 1863

 

            Dear Father

                                    Since I wrote you last, we have been on the march and this is my first opportunity of writing I am detailed in the Generals office, to assist the A.A.Gen^l who is a very fine man. I have put aside the Gun & Knapsack and taken a horse & sword instead, and considered one of the Staff. I have nearly or quite all the writing to do, issueing all the orders &c.

 

We had to march up to Fredericksburg on the 17^th inst Genl Stewart had a skirmish with the enemy a few miles from us, and we were ordered up to reinforce him. he drove them back, so we did not go into the fight. Our loss was about 250. We were in two miles of them during the engagement. We had to stay in the woods three nights with nothing but one blanket I say we, meaning the troops. I was under a tent and had plenty of covering, but the troops had to stand it. It commenced snowing the second day & continued all night next day & night, and was about fourteen inches deep when we started back & still snowing We had to march nine miles in it. It was as much as I could do to keep my horse on his feet, and I came near freezing besides. I have not heard from / any of you since I left home. The Division that Charley belongs to was ordered up this way the other day. they came within 35 miles of us, but were ordered back.

 

            Tell Capt Butt & Towns Dawson I will write to them the first opportunity I get.

 

                        Love to all       Write soon to

                                                            Your Obdt Son

                                                                        Henry

                        Direct to

                                    W. H. Mims

                                    Wrights Brigade

                                                Mar Guiney’s Station

                                                                        Va

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