Charlie

Sep. 18/63

 

Office Acting Assistant Quartermaster,

2d Brigade, 2d Division, 18 A.C.

Portsmouth Sept. 18^th 1863.

 

Dear Father—

                        Your last, written before my last reached you, came duly to hand. All remains quiet, but how long the quiet will last is not so certain—Today we have startling rumors. The first is that the Rebels have evacuated all Virginia. This comes direct from Gen Naglee, who gets his information from spies. He (Gen. N.) considers it probable. The second is that Meade and Lee have met, and the latter killed while his army is driven back in great disorder. Of this you will probably know more before this reaches you. It does seem as though we were farther than the beginning of the end of our troubles. If Foreign Powers will only now do as the Rebels prayed at the start, and let them alone, we certainly have got a sure thing on them. We are looking anxiously after Rosecrans & Burnside, fearing somewhat that they may be trapped. I should like very well to pack up and start down after Lee, and if this recent rumor is a correct one, shall probably have a chance. /

 

About the only excitement at Head Qrs now, is the recent arrival of our Brigade Band. It consists of fourteen pieces, and is a splendid affair. We have music in front of our tents every evening, and enjoy it very much. It is supported by the officers of the Brigade.

 

I hear from Frank quite regularly & he seems to be in good health & spirits. Why didn't you write when Lucy was to be in Baltimore? Then I could have gone up to see her. It would only have taken me 36 hours. I meant to send some money home this month, but got beaten out of it. A member of the staff, was just starting for Baltimore for a day or two & came to me for some money. I had just been paid, but only had a check on U.S. Treasury for $100 except some small bills. He took the check, promising to bring back the change—went to Baltimore, spent all the money, and requests me to wait till next pay-day. So I shall have to do so. At which time I shall not forget my home debt. Please give much love to all at home, answer my last two letters & believe me

 

Your aff son

Charlie—

SOURCES