Camp of the 1^st Reg^t N.J.Vols

Warrenton Va.

August 20^th 1863

 

            Dear Brother & Sister

                                    As I have not herd from you in some time and having bin unable to write, it is with plesure that I embrace the presant opportunity of adressing a fiew lines to you, and let you know that I am still in the land of the living. I should have writen long befor this had I an opportunity to do so. But as I was passing through Philadelphia on my way back to the Regiment, I was detained by the Provo Marshal and put on duty he then wrote on to the regiment and had me detached. I was there better than two months, and could have stayed the remainder of my terme but I did not like it and wasent sattisfied no how. So I / got them to send me back after hard coaxing but finley they let me go I was two weeks getting to the regiment I stoped in Wasington two days. I was out to see West Drak and Draneys Boys and Cousin John Brotzman. Wes was almost pleased to death to see me. he hardley knew how to acte or what to do he was well and looks good he has a good birth and is very well liked from what I could lurn. I stayed all night and the next day with cousin John and had a fine time the next I went to Alexandria and stayed there ten days befor I could get out to the armey I arrived in Camp about a week ago. the boys was almost pleased to death. they saw me pass buy the camp on the cares the boys was nearley all at the depot as soon as the cars was. The officers was about as crazey as the boys they kept me up nearley all night bladgin. I had to goe on doty the next morning they would not wait untill I got a Rifle and acutrements in facte I have non yet. But I had a good / rest in Washington and Alexandria while the poor devls wair marching hard in the sun and heat, but they are having a nice time of it now. we are doing Provo doty in Warrenton and on the Raile Road Depot. our Jeneral ATA Torbert, he is Millatary Govnor of the place. I would be contented to stay here till my time is out. Evry thing is quiet here and no indication of a moove soon. I am of the opinion that our fighting in the armey of the Potomac is about don. the Rebelion and Jeferson Davis is about alike boath on there last legs. if Charleston falls the war will end in less than three months or I am much mistaken. at least I have every reason to believe so under the presant state of affaires. there has bin no time since the war comenced that things have looked as favorable as at the presant time. But I must stop writing and get my tea. I am well and in good health and sperits at presant and hope this will find you all the same. With my love and best respects to you all and all / remaining Friends I remain as ever your well wisher and Brother

                                                                                                Daniel R Forgus

 

Pleas write soon

            and Direct to

                        Serg^t Daniel R Forgus

                        Comp. "G" 1^st Reg^t NJVols

                                                Washington

                                                            D.C.

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