Hd Qrs. 10^th A.C. in the field Va.

Oct. 3^rd 1864

 

Dear Friends                                                                                       

                        On the 28^th ult. we left our Camp near Petersburg—got into line at 3 oclock—took up the line of march at 6 P.M.—marched to 3 A.M. to "Deep Bottom" distance—supposed—20 miles you may immagine how some of the boys felt. after marching through the sand we crossed the Appomattox at "Bermuda Hundred" crossed the "James" at Curls neck on the pontoons—which brought us to Deep Bottom, the morning after we arrived. the first thing I heard was musketry in the woods near by a skirmish between the Col. troops & Rebs. Birney drove the Rebs. back about 5 miles on the New Market & Mill Road—the place where we are now laying—said to be 5 or 6 miles from / Richmond. You can see our whereabouts & rout by examining the map in the inquirer of the 30^th ult.—was rather in the dark in regard to Lat. untill I got hold of this paper this morning since here our Regt. has all been on detail—guarding Bridges, Baggage, picket &c. Yesterday M^c & I were detailed in a squad for provo guard at Gen Birney's Hd. Qrs. within a stones throw of his Qrs. & within 50 yds. of our 1^st line of entrenchments you may think this is getting pretty close but we feel pretty safe. yesterday the Rebs. opened as if they were making an attack on the line—evry man to his post—a few volleys of musketry & Art. & all was quiet—was close enough to hear the Rebs. yell. Our duty as provo is to form a line in the rear to keep up straglers. dont think it likely they will take us into the lines yet, as their is a great deal of duty of this kind to do. one of the boys / who has been on this kind of duty for the last 6 weeks—said he did'nt think they would remove us from this duty for some time—sometimes they keep the same men for 6 mo. at a time unless the Reg^t should be put into another Corps. Al. & Jno. are back at Deep Bottom—said they will be up to day—saw Jno. Nimmon the morning we landed. The 11^th Cav. was passing where we were laying—were on the look out for the boys but did'nt see any of them, only Jno. he has got a nice birth—Sol. is driving team. I have not received a letter since we left Phila. but suppose they will get here after while—none of the Co. has got any either. You need not be concerned if you dont hear from me for often I cant get a chance of writing or getting a letter mailed—but will write evry chance I have—am well & hearty as can be, never was / better in my life—get very good rations dont have any great over plus—but with economy have plenty just same here as with some people at home. The boys here are very hopeful the war will be over in less than 6 mo.—think their will be some thing to be done first. write soon & dont look for a letter from me untill you get it—only by chance I got this sheet to day If its necessary for me to have my tax Receipt to secure my vote would like you to send it immediately Its commencing to rain & I must close                           Yours as Ever

                                                                                                W R Noble

 

            Co. B. 203 Reg^t P.V. 10^th Army Corps

                                    Washington

                                                            D.C.

 

P.S. If you see pap Jac. suggest to him about the Receipt. M^c wrote to day perhaps he forgot it. he is not just here or would ask him. Al. is a M^cClellan man

Send me one stamp                                                                                         W R Noble

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