William Wirt Henry to John Henry
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I did not have a chance to write you my usual "Sunday letter" yesterday, for
Saturday Lt Col Hall of the 14th N.Y. Regt. was ordered to take command of the
Brigade, as he ranked me, and Saturday night, late, I received an order
detailing me as "Div officer day" again!- was’nt it funny that it should just
happen so? for I believe I have been on every Sunday since we have been in this
camp. Well I got through all safe and sound, although I expected a
little brush, for our troops crossed over down below here a little, and were
fighting from ten in the morning until dark. I have not heard yet what the
result was. Aint it strange that we can be here and listen all day long to the
booming of the Cannon and know that a big fight is going on and yet feel so
indeferent about it, and in fact not know the result or what it means until we
read it in Baltimore or N. York papers. The paymaster is here again and will pay
us off tomorrow so you may look out for a "draft" in the next letter. I guess I
shall be able to send you all you ask for
to make up the two
thousand This has been a very good years work aint it? I hope we shall enjoy the
good of it some time. You know I will come home just as soon as there is any
kind of a chance, but there will be no show as long as I am so well until Col
Jewett gets back, and some how I begin to think he doesnt mean
to come back, or perhaps he is going to wait until the fall rains to
set in so there will be no more fighting and then come
back to command the Regt. during the winter. All this last long hard march which
he was with us, every time it looked a "little squally" or like a fight, or
there was any
hard work to be done, he was sure to be sick with bowel complaint and I had the
work to do, but this is a delicate subject and darling one between you and I. really I should think you
might coax John to take a little less for his Horse just
to please you, as he is such a good saddle horse. I am glad you keep up riding
will write in next about money. All are well. Justin has come back and I gave
him a good talking too, and agreed to try him "once
more". he is doing tip top now, hope it will last. Jack Hubbard a little
down, but not bad. Regt. healthy, myself ditto Johnny brot your letter down on
Picket to me. it was awful good. but oh! how it made me want to see you.
As ever William.