Bristo Station, July 23^rd 1863

 

            Dear Brother:—

                                                As we are in camp recruiting a little I think I will drop you a few lines. After so much fighting & continual marching, I am happy to inform you that Paul & myself are enjoying the very best of health. It seems to agree with me a great deal better scouting the country than remaining in camp. I think Paul has written to you since we were in Pensylvania therefore I will not comment on our campain there. Since we again crossed the Potomac / to Dixie, we have had an other cavalry fight. This took place at Shepardstown July 16^th. The 1^st Maine lost 48 men in killed, wounded & missing. Our company lost 4 wounded 3 missing. It so happened that neither Paul or myself were wounded: it must be that some unseen hand protected us, or we with others must have fallen, for the shells & bulletts fell like rain all round us. I had my horse shot from under me just as we were going to make a charge, but I came out all right. Hope we may continue to be luckey & by & by return to greet those we left while we lend our influance in crushing this mighty rebellion. If you know the where-abouts of the army you are / better posted than I am for I do not have any idea where our new Commander is at the presant time. There is no Infantry about here & I am at a loss to know where they are. I said we were in camp, we are halting here for a few days to rest the horses. We have marched them so far, & they have had so little rest, that they are nearly tired out. I know not which way we shall moove from here. it is reported that Lee is reinforced by Bragg & that he is again invading Pensylvania!

 

I think Lee got as much of Penn as he wanted before. It may be that the fall of Vicksburg & Port Hudson clearly demonstrates to Old Jeff / that his Goverment is rather a sham affair & that he is going to again invade Md & Penn and distroy all his army can, & then let the Goverment Slide. This is only a supposition of my own.

 

I received a letter from Joseph a short time since; he says Mother is better & the remainder of the family are enjoying good health. This is cheering for I feared Mother would not stand it through the summer Francis & Horace it seems have got home I suppose Lizzie is very much pleased and I think our folks must be to have Francis help them. I hope he will be contented to remain. What kind of a situation have you? and is your health good? I suppose you miss Lizzie very much, it / must be unpleasant being so far away from your wife & little Benny.

 

As I am writing the cars bring late papers bearing good news from dixie's land Morgan has surrendered & a battle is going on at Charleston!! I believe rebellion is nearly crushed. Write as soon as you receive this & oblige

 

Your Affect Brother

            Collins

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