Camp 27^th Regt Ind Vols near

 [?]ville Va July 22^nd 1863

 

My Dear Pa

                        You will see that we are once more on the sacred soil of Va having crossed the river on the 20^th Whether Gen Lee will give us battle outside of Richmond remains to be seen I think our destination is Warrenton and if we have to fight Lee it will be between there and Culpepper They may conclude to let the Southwest go by the board and send most of their men to Lee hoping to crush Meade but this can not [?] I had forgotten to write to you about D. J. Colvin he was very badly wounded at Gettesburg and it was thought he could not live very long Our Army since they entered Va have commenced a different policy They are taking all the horses & cattle they can find All plundering however is strictly prohibited The Army of Potomac will soon be reinforced very heavily I wish when this takes place that they would call us west I think this Rebellion is on its last pins By a recent decission of Sect Stanton I will receive my $100 bounty I will send to Mr Newport to have him collect the sum /

 

The decission was that all Non Commissioned Offricers who were discharged to receive commissions were entitled to the $100 the same as if they had served as Enlisted men through the war

 

I think we will be paid within two weeks I can send you two hundred & seventy five ($275⁰⁰) dollars This Army has been reinforced very heavily from the Penensula and it is in splendid condition I saw the 17^th Ind Battery at Harpers Ferry Sergt Williams was the only one I was acquainted with whom I found looking very well I made the acquaintance of Capt Miner who has the ring of the true metal of a Soldier about him The Battery is in good condition and they are anxious to have active duty Give my love to Ma & the Children & same for Self

 

                                                            Affectionately your Son

                                                                        Will

SOURCES