Camp Near Petersburg Va.

Sep^t 28^th 1864

 

Dear Friends

                        We have at last got to the scene of action & may be called on to participate in the movements at any time, but know their is no knowing what we will have to do. However we will have to try & prepare for the worst—dont think it likely they will place much dependence on us yet this Corpse has been relieved from the front just the day before we came up. The whole country around here is just one continued camp—evry person apparently on a race. Yesterday morn. could see the steeples in the city of Peetersburg—can now hear the report of the guns in front of the city 

 

Our Reg^t was put on 2 boats at W—ours had 6 Co. on board—was very much crowded—came right through Came to the wharf on the 27^th 11 A.M. landed at 11½ P.M. Sund. Eve. coming into the bay our boat tried to pass another boat & got to running—it was reported that the boat got on fire I know that their was something not right, from the way the engineer & fireman were flying about, as I lay near the engineers room.—the waves lashing in & driving some of the boys up. sun. was windy all day consequently had a rough sea. However we arrived safely did not feel or know that we were in any danger & feel that I will be protected by the same hand, on land as well as by sea. As soon as our boat struck the wharf I thought I could notice a marked difference on the countenance of some of the boys—their is some / few who make use of jesting & profane language but can easily be seen it is only to drive away the thoughts of things more serious. After we got down the Potomac a piece thought it was something of a stream, but is nothing compared to the bay & that nothing compared to the Ocean. So it is with a man here if he is well can get along, if not he is just as a drop of water in a river We are encamped in an open field near a nice pine wood. have very nice qrs. fixed up pine in the bottom. This is a beautiful clear day—done my washing this morn. Jno. & Al. have gone for water M^c is sitting beside me, eating hard tac & roast pork. are drawing 4 days rations suppose we will have to pull up? but whats the difference. we'll always be on the move. there are some old soldiers here whose time will be out in 20 days they all think Grant will wipe the / Rebs. out in a short time but what do they know. out hear in camp they dont appear to think any thing more of the war than they do at home, any more than evry thing is military. We are all as well as can be.—never better in my life—will write soon again. Will expect to hear from you often my ink is done will be compelled to stop.

                                                                                                W Rufus Noble

 

            To A J. Noble

                        Fannettsburg

                                    Franklin Co.

                                                Penna.

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