Camp near Falmouth

 V^a May 10^th 1863.

 

My own dear Aunt.

                        As every thing is still and quiet this beautiful Sabbath morn I cannot resist the temptation to write you a few lines that you may know that God in his merciful kindness has been pleased to bless me and spare my unprofitable life through another struggle for victory and another fearfull and fiery ordeal in which many of our brave numbers have been stricken by the hand of death and are lying prone upon / the field of destruction and blood. The dark pall of war has again passed away and truly few can feel more grateful than myself as I look back over that terrible slaughter and those bloody scenes and reflect upon the goodness of God in preserving me through all unharmed Oh! how I wish that this inhuman war was ended and we could live once more in the enjoyments of peace and the associations of kind friends. I will not attempt to describe the paticulars of this Battle for you will see the full account in the papers. Suffice it to say that the engagement / on the heights of Fredricksburg between our Corps (the 6^th) and the rebels was the hottest and most destructive of any small Battle that has taken ever been fought I term it a small battle for there was only our Corps engaged and at one time we were completely surrounded by the enemy And when we retreated to recross the River we passed as near their forces as from one side of the road to the other (in front of your house)

 

We are now camped near the same place where we were previous to this Battle. The weather is fine clear and / cool. The trees are all blossomed and clothed in their summer attire This weather after the dark dreary cold and damp days we have had in the few weeks past seems to transform the earth into a Paradise I feel sad and lonely this morning how I wish I could be with you to attend church today. I must now close Give my Love to Uncle Reuben (and other friends) Please write me as soon as convenient Hopeing that this will find you in good health with much love and esteem I remain your devoted Nephew                                                   Alfred C. Woods.

 

P.S.

            Address as usual

SOURCES