(20 mi NW from)

In camp near Alexandria

Sept 11^th 1863

 

Dear Rose

                        Not having rec^d a line from you and knowing that you had two opportunities of writing by hand I thought a little strange as I knew that the mail facilities were uncertain. I have no news of importance to write we have moved from the camp from which I wrote you last and have camped near the road leading to Texas. The movement of the enemy in this direction induced our last move though they have gone back in the direction of the Mississippi river. the fort at Harrisonburg was evacuated by our troops and most of the pieces saved a portion of our Div had some scurmishing with enemy pickets but nothing to amount to anything. Taylors army is ordered up to a camp near us. one Brigade of Cavelry (Col Majors') crossed the river at Alexandria enrout for Trinity, though I doubt if they find an emeny. I rec^d a / a letter from Jack he belongs to that Brigade is in good health and says he is anxious for a fight. I rec^d a letter from Rush directed to Willy, opened it and red it as I was anxious to hear from him I mailed the letter to Willy. Rush is very anxious to get on this side of the river, but it will be difficult for him to do. I thought probably you might come down, as you are only about three days travel from this point only about 80 miles but the movements of an army are so uncertain that it is hard to tell how long we will remain in one place We have a pleasant camp in the pine wood good water and a healthy location some very nice families living near by. If the enemy should not move in this direction I imagine we will remain here some length of time. Their has been some dissatisfaction and demoralization among the troops here and some few cowardly traitors have deserted their collors and sculked from the army from the face of the enemy when / a fight was expected and I regret to say some few from the brigade that I am in command of ten from San Augustine C^o I think it will go no farther, as some of them have been caught tried & are sentenced to be shot before the Command on the 25^th inst. I am of the opinion that examples will have a better effect than any other means that can be adopted. John B. Baker H.P. Bullock John Miller four of the Sackeys James Curry J H Brooks & James Hooper is the names of the men who deserted from Capt Northrops C^o they all live in San Augustine C^o I hope they will be caught and will have to pay the penalty of their treason with their lives. two of those men Hooper & Miller have deserted the 2^nd time they base traitors. The army I think is anxious to meet the enemy and if it should be our fortune to do so will meet them as freemen should an invading army, who dare polute our soil with their pernicious tread. write soon & often by hand when you have an opportunity 

 

I do not expect to have an opportunity of visiting home soon. if I had I do not know that I should as I believe an officer is derelict of duty to leave his Command at such a time when the interest of the service demands that every man should be at his post. do not fail to write, write if you are well. you wrote in your last that the children had sore eyes I hope they are well, by this time. I am in good health. My love to all the family

 

Yours Affectionately

R. Wateshower[?]

P.S.

            The health of the command is very good at this time the boys from about S.A. all well. Walter Plunket has had a few chils but is now well

RW

 

I wish to have an over coat made of a portion of that gray cloth I sent by Price with it made military style with a large cape will have my measure taken & send it to you M^cClanahan will make it but will have to have the measure I expect

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