Washington Barracks D.C.

Nov 25^th 82

 

My dear Net

                        It has been about ten days since I returned here, and was pleased to find your letter awaiting my arrival. We left camp at Gaithersburg on the 2^d inst. and marched about 200 miles, arriving here on, I think, the 14^th, tired, footsore and considerably disgusted. It was much the longest march I have ever made, and the hardest, as there were no resting spells, at least we marched some each and every day, and my feet became swolen and almost unbearably tender & stiff. We visited the battle fields of Antietam and Gettysburg, scenes of historic interest / and particularly attractive to a military man, but sore feet and aching limbs diverted us all too much to render the sites & scenery interesting. It was certainly a most enjoyable event to get into a good comfortable house and soft, springy, warm bed after nearly five months of camp life. Beside your own I also had another letter awaiting me upon my arrival, which to me was exceedingly entertaining, and of considerable moment, and that was a communication from the War Dept, informing me that I had been promoted to a captaincy. So, miss, hereafter address me as Captain Howell if you please. I am as yet uncertain where I will be located, as the promotion necessitates a change of Company—probably I will go to Fort M^cHenry near Baltimore, though I am by no means pleased with the change, and will try to effect a transfer, although the chances are not very promising. I am living in the same old qrs. and shall probably continue to do so as long as I remain at the post. I get my meals at the bachelors mess. When I get located you must come on and stay with me—whether here or at Fort M^cHenry. I'll try to give you something to eat—let you keep house—and accompany me with the piano—are my inducements sufficient? Excuse a / very short letter—will try to do better next time remember me affectionately to Lizzie Mr Prewitt & all the family

write soon                                                      

 

Affectionately

Your brother

Rezin

SOURCES