Camp near Sharpsburg Md

November 3^d/'61.

 

Friend, Isaac:

                        I received your kind favor of the 20^th & hasten at this the first opportunity to answer the same. Truly reminisences of the associations of the past furnishes a source of great pleasure to me & nothing could give me greater satisfaction than to again meet my friends of old Chili & spend a few hours of social "chit-chat" in gleaning up the history of the various changes of the past. I suppose our country is as it were a desolated mansion. Little did I think one year ago that I so soon would be called to vindicate the right, in the pending struggle, which seemed to me to be inevitable, but I like Patrick Henry feel that I am willing to know the worst & so far as I am able to provide for it.

 

            "Bully" for John Norris, probably he has got into a State where he will be satisfied & can fulfill the Scriptures in the way of making redheaded Babies. If She is as intelligent as he, I do not want to express my opinion, but if they have no insane Asylum in Miami they had better build one. Charlie had better go to Preaching again & Remember the maxim "Keep to the work you best can do" &c / As for the other boys I think they are doing a noble act when they enlist in the service of our Country. Rebellion must be crushed & we (the north) have it to do & the sooner we do it the better & the more good men we have the easier it will be done. Are the boys that came home disabled in body or mind. Sometimes Soldiers are like the boy who said his boots hurt him & on asking him where, replied by putting his hand on his breast. Getting up select schools will be very difficult now, as the public mind is engaged in looking after the interests of the war & a great many of the young men are in active service.

 

            We are now near the Potomac river 12 miles above Harpersferry, guarding the river. We have as yet been in no engagement. on wednesday night last there were 40 men detailed from each camp to go over the river to take a secesh camp, went to the river awaited the return of the scouts, who reported the camp on the alert probably caused from the movements of the 13^th Mass along the river below where we are encamped. therefore we abandoned the attempt & returned to camp, very much to the disappointment of us all. Of course you have heard of the skirmish at Harpersferry on the 18^th & the defeat of the union troops at Balls Bluffs / at which engagement Col Baker was shot through the head, 8 Capts killed or wounded & 625 men missing in all.

 

            Lieut Gen. Scott has resigned owing to age & ill health & Gen. M'Clellan has taken command & as Gen Wool is now the segnior Major Gen. I suppose he will take M'Clellan's place. The infamous J. C. Breckenridge has resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate & states he willingly exchanges it for the sword!!

 

            Yesterday was one of the most disagreeable days I ever beheld. it commenced raining & blowing sometime friday night & continued till near 9 O'clock saterday evening & what seemed to be remarkable was that the rain was accompanied with a trememdous high wind which was increasing not abating the least at any time. In consequence of the rain the river has risen to such an extent as to be impassable. Therefore for the present we will have to be content on this side the river.

 

            The rebels have become more bold since the river has risen & they now venture to the verge of "sacred soil". Give my respects to all who enquire after my wellfare. tell Alpheus I would like hear from him if he feels so disposed. Write when convenient & give all the news general & special. 

 

            Excuse poor writing. I have not a very good posish for writing having to hold the paper on my knees with one hand & write with the other. Hoping to hear from you soon I close having the honor of subscribing myself your

                                                                                                True friend

                                    Direct to                                                          D.W. Thomas

                                                D.W. Thomas

                                                Co. G 12^th Regt. Ind Vols

Care of Wm H. Link Col                    Sharpsburg Md.

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