Camp near Bell Plains Va.

March the 5^th 1863

 

Dear Brother,

                                                Your's of the 25^th came to hand last night and I will immediately proceed to answer it. I was glad to learn that you were all in good health. I hope that these few lines may find you still in good health. The health of the Regiment is very good at this time, and we are all enjoying ourselves very well.

 

We are as ready as ever to fight, suffer and die for the sacred cause of the Union, which is the cause of human liberty and progress, and more ready than ever to punish traitors at home just as well as these rebels in arms. We have learned with the deepest concern that efforts are made in the loyal States to demoralize the consciences of the people by false representations, to undermine the sympathies of the masses / with the great cause which is the subject of this conflict, to embarrass the Government in the prosecution of the war, and thus to deliver the Republic into the hands of her enemies.

 

We cannot find language strong enough to express our abhorrence of the factious men who carry on these treasonable machinations. By the blood of the many brave men whom we saw dropping from our ranks on the field of battle, we renew today the oath we once have taken, and will fight against the enemies of the country, North and South, to the bitter end. Whatsoever hardships and privations the war may bring upon us we will endure, we will think of no peace but the peace which will spring from a final and complete triumph of our arms. A word or two about our / present Commander-in-Chief, (Hooker) He today enjoys the respect and love of all the soldiers of the "Army of the Potomic". He appears to be, at last, the right man in the right place. When I see a Commander-in-Chief giving his personal attentions to repairs of roads, and rebuking lazy Quartermasters and Commissaries for the non-performance of their duties, I have faith that this army will yet be saved to win for itself fresh laurels on hotly-contested fields. Gen. Hooker has been all through his lines, compelling the erection of ovens, that the men may daily have fresh-baked soft bread served to them, and giving token, in a hundred ways, that he is "alive all over".

 

What do you think of him? 

 

I intend to make application for a furlough, in three or four weeks. I do not know whether I will be successful or not. I intend to try anyhow.

W.H.S.

 

Give my love and respects to all

 

This leaves us in good health

W H Speer

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