Camp near Fredericksburg Va

Dec 10^th 1862

 

Dear Sister

                        I wil now pen a few lines as I have a few spare moments. I have been waiting to hear from you before I wrote, but I came to the conclusion that your letter must have been delayed on the way, at least I have not herd from you for a fortnight

 

            We are having very pleasant weather but the snow still hangs on and makes it very uncomfortable under foot. We had a tough snow storm last Saturday I consider myself a good judge as I was out in it all day & night. I was detailed to go to Bell Plains landing place towards Aquia Creek eight miles distant it was awful cold with rain & snow I was out all day & night arived the next night. (I would say the storm was friday instead of Saturday) / We went after forage, the most of it comes by rail now. I have no news to write. I am as tough as a knot. I received letters from home yesterday they were all well. I received one from Walter he says he is having a fine time, well he may. I know I would were I in his place. I received a letter from Edward Harris yesterday he wrote a very good letter. Well as near as I am able to judge the army is about to move towards Richmond. the report is that Franklin has already crossed the river fifteen miles below us, on pontoon bridge. We have done nothing but go on inspections for the last two days I have just come in from one We have so called Light Marching Orders to be ready to start at a moments notice to leave knapsacks & tents behind and keep three days rations in our haversacks Christ told us just now that we were to cooperate with another army and / we might be called uppon to march with only ten minnuts notice. Well if we have got to go it may as well be now as at a future period if it is my ill luck to receive a rebel bullet it is just as well to receive it now as a month hence. but you cannot imagine the suffering that the soldiers will have to undergo to march now some being nearly shoeless I for one wear a pair of shoes with no soles or at least only half a sole on each we cannot draw them just when we like which makes it bad. I am looking for a box from home. Seth is well and sends his regards to all (Corps Party)

 

I was very much surprised last night at roll call to find my name amongst the non Commis officers I was never more surprised in my life. I suspose I shall have to shoulder a Corps bearth it will not make much difference only I shall get rid of standing post all nights

 

Our Company is increasing in numbers fast as they are returning from hospitals about Washington. I suspose you saw the roll of the Com in the last ACM I am glad I have no star against my name Capt Doten will shame some of them I never left the Com a moment yet I suspose the Capt thinks a Corp bearth a reward for holding out as I have. you need not be surprised to hear of a great Battle soon my love to all. Depend uppon it there is a big move on foot. Prehaps Banks may be about the James River I have just eaten my dinner consisting of a rare dish with us of late stewed beans. like the Brigade much Christ is Gentleman I think.

 

Direct 9^th AC Gen Burns Div

Christs Brigade

                        Washington DC

            From your Aft Bro

                                    S C. Wright

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