Stafford Court House

Jan 30^th 1863.

 

Dear Father,

                        You will be glad to know that I arrived here safely last night, after walking about 5 miles in the most horrid mud I ever saw. I was just one week on the road from Baltimore. When I got to Washington, I was ordered to report at the Convalescent Camp across long bridge. We rode over expecting to return at night, leaving a room at the hotel and all our baggage in it. But the powers over there denied us that privilege and we took quarters / in the most barren place on earth. We were next ordered to report to Major Wood at Alexandria. There being no other means of conveyance, we took the foot-train and reported. As a great favor we got a pass to Washington, got our luggage, paid our bills, and yesterday morning took the mail boat for Aquia Creek, arrived there at 2 P.M. took a freight train to Brook's Station and walked to this desolate encampment. Gen. Sigel's Hd.Qrs. are quite near here, in the Court House I think. I spent last night in the Col's tent, who was apparently glad to see me back. My 1^st Lieut has a sort of a hut built and has a half a dozen privates / with him. This little domestic arrangement will be changed materially to day. Our Reg. are roughing it on a very large scale, but I hope to be able to stand it. We expect tents soon. I have heard nothing from Ned Harland, though I noticed that his name had gone to the Senate.

 

I send my love to mother, and tell her Col. Ross received the box she sent me, enjoyed the eatable contents, and saved the gown and slippers for me. Will write again soon. With much love &c

Your aff son

Charlie

 

Did you get the money?

 

[overleaf]

 

Cha^s

Jan 30/63

SOURCES