Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
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Why do I not hear from? I have waited with much patience, have you received my letters.
We are encamped in the most beautiful section that I ever saw. I am unable to describe it, simply it is magnificintly beautiful.
We are here on pickett duty now and you ought to me riding along the line on the
bank of the river posting pickites and looking after the sick. Our line extends
from Poolsville to within 28 miles of Washington. It is very exciting to be in
the midst
of an eniment country when it is almost worth your life to
go outside the lines and when you can hear the clash of arms the heavy boom of
the canon in the late battle. Yes the rattle of muskery can be distinctly heard.
I can by going 100 rods from our camp see rebel pickets along the opposite bank
of the river.
We have been upon the move ever since Sunday noon, until yesterday noon. I have
not been out of the saddle only to rest at night, and just think of me spreading
my blanket on the ground and laying down by the side of my house, and sleeping
as sound as I ever did in my life
and when I lay down I take off my
coat and boots and socks and if it rains in the night it makes no [ ]. I have not taken the slightest cold ever I
have been in the field, am growing fat just think of
that. We are living in the open air without tents, and are as jolly as
larks.
Old Port bog starts soon for Washington and I must close. Direct all your letters
to Washington, no matter where I am. If I could but see you and the children for
a few minutes I should start on my duties with a new zest. Kiss [ ] all for me. When we once get settled down again I will
give you a full description of my experience.
God keep you all and
preserve as to [ ] again. I will write again
the first chance.
Your loving HusbandJ. C. Rutherford
P.S. The Col just told me he had names this camp "Camp Briggs".
Our whole Regt is doing Picket duty - not a soldier in camp but those doing guard duty.