Camp Fifth New Jersey Vols

Lower Potomac Md.,

March  30. 1862.

 

My Dear Father—

                                    At the date of my last letter we were in hourly expectation of an order to break camp and proceed down the river. All preliminary work indicating a speedy movement has been finished, and we only await the "order". Everything calculated to encumber the movement of the officers and men has been sent home or properly stored—such as clothing, bedding—extra cooking utensils, etc.,—three day's rations of "hard-bread" were provided, and hams were issued in place of fresh beef; the sick were sent to Gen. Hospital—wagons and tents were ordered turned over to Government—and, above all, knapsacks were kept packed and the men in a most feverish anxiety to move. Day after day keeps passing, and still we are here, and tho rumors of camp, which presaged an immediate movement upon the emeny, have now assumed an entirely different tone, and the talk is that it is doubtful whether we move any further south, and some wise one offered to wager that the next movement we make will be towards Trenton. I suppose all and every suggestion in relation to movements on our part are the results of the peculiar feelings of those who make them—and are not based upon any correct information. I suppose the order for an advance of this division stands where and as it did one week ago—and that our stay here is the result of an inability, on the part of Gov't, to send us so promptly as they it would like to have done. There may be other and better reasons than this—but it is only a question of time as to the fact of our going. We have had most beautiful weather during the past week, but it is now raining, as it has all day, as also, yesterday. Snow fell yesterday so that the ground was white. This forenoon heavy firing was heard down the river, continuing at intervals for three hours.

 

            I have not sent anything home, as intimated—but I may do so this week. If I see no opportunity of carrying anything further than a knapsack I will forward the extras to your address. I have lost the letter containing the no. but [?] on 506. You, doubtless, suppose this division to have moved, as intimated, and will be surprised that we are yet here we / are certainly not a little provoked at the delay. I have a very interesting letter from Mr. Pickett, C.S. Co. "D" First Ks.V, from Fort Scott. There appears to be about 10,000 men near there. I refer to our continued stay here once more. It is reported that in Gen. Heintzleman's interview with Gen. Hooker, while his divisions were passing down the river, that the former remarked that this division would join him in two days. I know that they had an interview, but do not know as to the purport of that interview. As we belong to Gen. H's Army Corps, it is altogether probable we shall join him as soon as it shall please the "powers that be." Be assured this division is more than anxious to move forward. There is nothing of unusual interest in our camps. The men are quite healthy—in as good condition for active operations as any portion of the army—have attained great proficiency in drill and considerable in "bayonet exercise." Some Jersey paper reports that a portion of the Fifth made a reconnoisance towards "Dumfrees", and retired before an inferior force of "rebel cavalry". About 700 of the 5^th crossed to "cockpit" on the Monday after its evacuation, but made no advance into the interior—and no enemy was to be seen. On the Wednesday following, two companies from the / Sixth went towards "Dumfries", remaining in the deserted camps of the 1^st & 2d "Texas Infantry" over night, and on Thursday morning entered the town of Dumfries, and proceeded to take possession of stores left behind. Scouts thrown out reported rebel cavalry approaching and, according to their own story, they retired without bringing away any property. They probably magnified the numbers of the enemy, and did not show any disposition to engage them, even if the enemy had been disposed to fight. The enemy are reported to have returned to the vicinity of "Shipping Point". Heavy firing is heard down the river (8 pm) the same as this a.m.

 

            Hope you will write me soon directing as before. Give my love to all in Trenton. Am in good health and enjoy my reading very much. The "Soldier's Pocket Book" is very valuable.

 

                                    Truly

                                                M. S. Austin,

                                                            C.S.

                                                                        Fifth N.J.V.

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