Ransom W. Towle to [Family and Friends]
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Yesterday no mail went out from Camp, so I did not write. Yesterday morning we
heard heavy firing in the direction of the James River probably our Gun Boats
engaging Ft. Darlin The result we have not learned. Yesterday P.M. and this A.M.
all very great along the line. This P.M. a Cannonade was
opened by one of Sams Batterie’s just across the River on our right upon a Rebel
Battery directly in our front from which we are covered by a Skirt of Timber.
The Enemy replied briskly with heavy Pieces but their fire was wild most of
their Shell bursting this side
of the River in plain view. The
firing on our side was better We could see by the smoke of bursting Shell rising
over the tops of the Trees that they all burst nearly in the same spot of the
result we know nothing only that the Enemys guns were silenced and now all is
again quiet. 4 ½ O’clock PM one hour ago we got orders to
pack up and be ready to move with one Days Rations in light marching order; that
is leaving Knapsacks and all but Haversack Canteen and rubber blanket There is
great activity among the Troops across the River and Gen. Porters Division is
coming over. The Rebs today withdrew their Pickets - how far is not known, and a
Report is current now that they are evacuating. A Squadron of Cavalry are now
out on a reconnaissance. Everybody is looking and listening and wondering what
is to come next. It is I think the general opinion here that if any fighting is
done here it will be done within a few Days Gen. McClellan was here Today He
looks much older and thiner than He did last winter. Col Stoughton was put in
arrest this morning for not coming out with his Regt to in line of Battle We
have to come out at half past two and stand in line of Battle till one hour
after Daylight and sometimes are called out several times During the Nights in
case of firing among the Picquets last night we were called out twice. This part
of Soldiering in not so funny Some firing is now going on the Picquet line –
ours
advancing as theirs retreat Also some heavy Cannonading on the
left not rapid but of heavy Guns at intervals. This hot weather tells on the
men. Diarhea and Fevers prevailing, one or two cases of Scurvy reported this
morning no particular change in the health or prospects of the West Rochester
Boys since I wrote more particularly David Wiley is picking up some The heat
here is oppressive and the men lay lolling about in all positions and directions
when not at work Gen Burnside was here a few Days since Please write whether you
rec’d the Boots I sent
In HasteRansom