Camp Cheek, Va. March the 4^th 1862

 

Dear Father,

                        Dave Miller arrived here a few days since and brought me a few lines from you, also a revolver, and of which I am highly pleased. I was out today in the woods and killed a rabbit with my revolver it shoots very well.

 

I would like to be there and go a rabbit hunting. they are tolerably scarce down here. I will now state to you that Henry and P are both enjoying good health. Snow on the ground about three inches deep. The 1^st day of this month was the prettyiest day that I ever saw. It was clear and very warm. 

 

Last Saturday we recieved marching orders and we immediately drew three days rashions and prepaired to march. we was to leave our tents and knapsacks behind. we finily got ready to march, and started about sundown, and we traveled about five miles, came to Big Capon river, made a bridge by stringing wagons from one side to the other lengthwise and then putting boards over the wagon beds to walk upon. it took thirteen wagons to form the bridge. we then went on about a mile further and camped all night (or rather the rest of the night for it then was between nine and ten Oclock) Next morning we learned that Gen lander was very sick, and in the evening we got orders to return to camp. we done so reached camp about sundown / When we reached camp we learned that Gen lander was dead. We remained in camp all night. next morning Gen Lander's whole Brigade met and had one of the grandest funeral processions that I ever saw. there were some fifteen thousand present. Our regts formed in two lines making an alley between, and then the several high officers carried the corpse through they were preceded by a brass band, and followed by the 7^th Ohio Regiment. after they had passed through and fired the cannon several times, our Regiments all retired to their respective camps. I know not the cause of his death. I know not who will be our Gen now.

 

It is reported here that the Rebels have evacuated Winchester and gone to Strawsburg, whether this be true or not I cannot say. / It was generally believed that we had started to Winchester Saturday last. I know not why we was ordered back unless it was on the account of Gen Lander's illness. I think it wont be many days until our troops will be in Winchester if not already.

 

I wrote home in my last letter for some postage stamps. if you have not sent them yet, please send them as soon as possible, for money will not pay postage any more, and it is impossible to get any stamps down here. We have not been paid off yet, but expect to be before long. I think that we all will be at home before long. Send me a paper once in a while.

 

Nothing more at present. Please write soon. I will write to Mollie soon. I remain as ever your affectionate Son,                     

W. H. Speer

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