Camp of the Fifth New Jersey Vols.,

Near Falmouth, Va.,

Sunday Ev., March 29, '63—9 o'cl

 

My Dear Father—

 

                                    I have just received your letter of the 26^th—We have, (a few moment's since) been notified we are to do picket duty, for the next three days—to leave camp at 7 A.M. to-morrow. We shall not get back to this camp until Thursday P.M. Were notified to-day, to reduce our baggage to 20 lbs. (Line officers 20—Field to 30 lbs) Fortunately, I have but little over the 20 lbs. All in excess is to be sent to Acquia Creek and so home, or it is liable, if not so disposed of, to be destroyed. (The order says it must be destroyed.) I believe leaves of absence and furloughs have been revoked, to take effect from April 1^st. The only line officer absent is Lieut. Mitchell (6 days leave, expires to-morrow) Lieut. Morse having returned to-day. I think I am right in saying no more will be granted—three or four days might be given—but that would hardly give me time to say "how do you do" and "good bye." I have felt anxious to go home—but / the desire has given away to a stronger one to see this war urged to a successful conclusion. Everything, preparatory to a quick movement, is being done that will tend to make the move a successful one—and yet so stealthily, that we do but faintly realize it. This earnest, but quiet, manner, of operating, has a good effect on the army, for they it sees and knows that it is the prelude to a movement upon the enemy, which, heretofore, he has, through some avenue, always been able to anticipate and thwart.

 

            Yesterday rain fell all day.—To-day has been cold—with heavy wind from N. To-night it freezes. Thermometer and barometer indicate storm—probably snow. Paymaster Webb will, it is said, pay this Brigade, this week.

 

            Lt. Morse enquired for you at Custom House, but had not time to go to your office. Called at home, as I had requested.

 

            All news, not contraband, in regard to our army, you will be better informed of, by the newspaper press correspondents.

 

            Enjoy good health, and, as / usual, am in good spirits. It is a true source of pleasure to me, to know I am so often and earnestly, remembered in the petitions of all the family. Without them, I should feel myself forsaken by one of the strongest supports it is possible for men in our positions, to be influenced and sustained by. I hope to prove faithful to my God, my Country and my country's interests—and prayer—here and at home, will, of all other influences and powers, be the strong truss upon which I shall rely for my future

 

                                                                        Give love to all

                                                                                    Truly

                                                                                                M. S. Austin,

                                                                                                            2d Lt. 5^th NJVols

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