Cha^s

Nov 5/ 62

 

Head Qrs. 20^th C.V. Near Keye's Gap. Va—

5^th November, 1862

 

Dear Father—

                        Here I am in a deserted house of a chivalrous Virginian. The former occupant is in the Rebel Army, and the females of this and several adjoining houses are huddled in one house near by. The Col. took this for his headquarters last evening. We are guarding four fords where the enemy have been accustomed to cross the Shenandoah. Just across the river we can see a plenty Rebel cavalry, and yesterday as Col. & I were posting our pickets up the river (Southward) they sat their horses within hailing distance, and mutely watched us. I wrung my hat at three of them, but they did not return the salute. If they attempt to cross, they will find the 20^th right across their track. They fired once or twice at our pickets yesterday, but did no harm. We have all the houses this side strongly guarded, and it is certain that no spies will cross that way. Our line extends up to Shenandoah. This is the kind of life I like. Yesterday was the pleasantest day I have had since I've been away from home. There is a little exciting novelty about it, and then we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing some good. You will understand, I don't care particularly about being a shot for any of these our Southern brethren, but I want to be where the work of / the 20^th of which I am the humble Adjutant, shall tell. I guess there is no particular danger of the war ending before we have a brush with the enemy, and then I shall be satisfied. A colored prisoner has just been sent to me, by a company of ours nearest Shenandoah. He was captured by a New York Reg. (145^th) at the above named place, charged with being a spy. Lt. Col. Wooster, who commands our advance recaptured him last night from a company of the 145^th, who were going to hang him on no evidence whatever, at sunrise this morning. Col. W. sent him to these head quarters, and as soon as Col. Ross comes in, we shall send him to Gen. Kane. Cuffy is fairly white with terror. He sits on the floor now looking pitifully at me as I write. I have informed him that hanging is very bad for the wind, and that I trust he will escape the singular sensation. You ought to see him.

 

I think I have received all the letters which have been sent. Mothers came Sat. night. You need not be frightened at the short notes I send you. I write them just as we are starting, and they mean nothing except that I am on the move and have not time to write anything but an announcement of the fact. If anything of importance occurs I will write again. I suppose we shall be somewhere in this vicinity for some time. Have heard nothing from Col. Harland. When I am Capt. I shall be ready anytime for his staff. I'm sorry you have made the matter so public, and meant to have cautioned you against it. Ned would not like it if he should know it. Please say no more. Have not received a cent since we left N. Haven. Good bye

                                    Charlie

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