Army of the Potomac

Camp near Bell Plain Va.

March 23^d 1863

 

Dear Father,

                                    Your's which you sent by Lieut. Abrams came to hand in due time. I was glad to hear from home. I am thankful to you for those postage stamps which you sent me. I have no important news to write. You are no doubt acquainted with the fact that Captain Miller has resigned, for I suppose he has reached home ere this. We were all sorry to see him leave, for he always treated us like a father, but his health rendered him unable / for the service longer, and hence we were willing for him to leave. Lieut. Abrams will now be our Captain and a very good one he will make. Abrams has always been at his post and well deserves to be promoted from Lieut. to that of Captain.

 

Who our Lieutenants will now be I cannot say. Abrams sent a recommendation for them by Capt. Miller. I suppose their commissions will come before many days. It is my opinion that he recommended Minos Miller and James Polk for Lieuts but I could not say positive whether he did or not. Sergeant / Sanders has not returned yet, and I do not think he will, unless he is made come. He will be reduced to the ranks. Our Orderley Sergeant will probably get his discharge in a few days. So you see that there will be several vacancies among the non-commissioned officers of our Company. We will know in a short time who will be promoted. From the preperations that are now being made, it is reasonable to suppose that our army will soon be on the move.

 

Arrangements are being made to have "Pack-mules" to carry baggage, ammunition, &c instead of having wagons. / The officers are ordered to ship to Washington all their baggage that they can possibly do without. Today we have been out on inspection, and everything indicates that as soon as the roads will permit, we will be found making our way towards the rebels. This army is ready and eager to make a move, feeling confident, as we do, that we will give the rebels a good thrashing, and that success will crown our efforts. Before many more weeks you may look for stirring news from the Army of the Potomac. 

 

History has never recorded such a struggle as that which is now progressing in this land. It is greater than any war which the world ever seen: greater in its expense in money, and in its prospective results. The loyal people of America are for their Country, right or wrong, and the union shall be preserved if the loyal multitude have any voice on setling the question. Every other question must give way when the life of the republic becomes threatened.

 

We are prepared to see Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Charleston reduced / to heaps of smoking ruins, and to have desolation from the Potomac to the Gulf, rather than one star should be severed from our flag or one stripe from its azure fold. The great duty of the nation is to weaken and crush the rebellion and the rebels. There can be no success for us save in action—no success save in union, and in accord of sentiment now as ever in a struggle for those great truths which control and influence the destinies of a great race. Then, with a united mind and honest mind we must show ourselves—show that we are not / demagouges and traitors—but a vigorous, determined and united people. The great heart of the people has ever been right to the country; the people, to whom the whole question must be eventually refered, is true and their hearts beat with patriotism and with a determination of suppressing the rebellion. I am glad to learn that the union feeling at home is growing stronger. I hope ere long that the people will be of one mind and one sentiment, and that this awful rebellion with all its fearful consequences may speedily be crushed. 

 

I will not take time to write any more. Please write often and give me all the news.

 

Henry and I are both in very good health, and hope that this letter may find you all in good health. Give my love and respects to all enquiring friends.

 

I remain as ever

Your Son

W. H. Speer

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