Portsmouth V^a

July 19^th 1863—

 

Dear Father:

                        Though having written you one letter since coming to this Department, and not having received any answer, I shall consider it my duty to keep you informed from time to time of my whereabouts and doings, taking for granted that your letters have been miscarried. One fact if remembered by you, will assist you in directing your letters to me. This Division has been changed from the 9^th to the 7^th Army Corps. It is the 2^nd Brig., 2^nd Div, 7^th A.C. About the best way, however, to direct is simply "Gen. Harland's Head Quarters, Norfolk, V^a". Our mail all comes to Norfolk, and Head Qrs mail is put by itself. The forces which at the time I wrote had gone up the Pamunkey river, returned on the 7^th inst, and the next morning began their march back. It took us five days to / reach Hampton. Here we embarked on transports and came to this place. We camped about two miles from the city, and our Head Qrs. are on a beautiful slope back of a fine old house, and facing a broad sheet of water—a part of the Western Branch. It is one of the most delightful spots I was ever in. Ever since the grand raid Gen Harland has commanded the Division, which makes it very pleasant for me—much better than if I was Adjt. Genl, and had to stick by the Brigade. This arrangement will, I think, be permanent. Maj. Genl. Foster arrived here from North Carolina yesterday and takes command of the Dep^t. Brig. Genl. Getty (old Div. commander) has charge of all the troops in Norfolk and Portsmouth, with Head Qrs in Norfolk, and Genl. Harland will command the Div. with Hd. Qrs. in Portsmouth. For the past few days I have been sorely troubled with boils occasioned by the chafing of my saddle. At present I have three. I notice the arrival of the Sabine and shall write to Frank. New York City seems from this point of view to have disgraced / pretty completely. It is hard to imagine that the Riot could have lasted so long. I should liked to have seen the 20^th Reg march up one of those Avenues, led by Col. Ross. I guess they wouldn't have retreated very far till they had wiped out those Copperhead mobites.

 

            I suppose you are not fully aware that our expedition up the Peninsula was a failure. The object was to cut the railroad between Lee and Richmond, and destroy the bridge across the South Anna river. This was not done. And now it appears that Lee is to make good his retreat. It is too bad! But our other victories must in part console us for this disappointment. I am quite anxious to know how Mother is whether Sallie has got home, etc. and hope you will write soon—

 

With love to all I am

Your aff son

Charlie.

 

[overleaf]

 

Charley

R & A July 22/63

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