Relay House,MarylandOct 9th 1862Dear Mary:

Page 1

While we are waiting for a train to pass us I take a moment to write you a few lines in hopes that I shall be able to mail it tonight.

We left Brattleboro on Tuesday but not until nine o'clk at night. The cars did not reach the depot till after 5 o'clk & then it was found there were not enough & it took till nine o'clk to make up the train. It was well that you went home when you did for we reached Springfield at midnight & while at Brattleboro I could have seen you but little. I think of you & Laura very often & hope she

is getting better. We reached New Haven early Tuesday morning & took the boat, the Continental, for Jersey City at once. It was a beautiful moonlight night to ride down the river on the cars & we had a delightful ride through the ferry in the boat.

(The cars are just starting again) We are stopping again for the mail train to pass us. It is about 4 o'clk Thursday P.M.

To go on with my story. We passed the Great Eastern near Ft. Schuyler & had a fine view of her. She is a monster indeed. We reached Jersey City a little past eleven & found a lunch or some soup for the boys prepared under the direction of Col. Howe -- the State Agent in New York -- About two o'clk we left for Philadelphia. We reached Camden opposite the city between six

& seven o'clk in the evening. We were ferried across the river & had a good lunch at the Soldiers Relief the same place where Zeke stopped. We had some trouble with the boys there were so many girls about. Some of them were rather loose in their manners but their free & easy style suited many. There were many good people about & they greeted us very warmly.

We marched thro' the city & took the cattle train for Baltimore where we arrived this morning quite early. We got breakfast at the Union Relief about ten o'clk, and it was two before we got started again. We are now stopping near Annapolis Junction for trains to pass. Several have gone by, but it is not yet our turn. It is now five o'clock & I don't know when we shall start. The men

have behaved themselves nobly. None have got drunk & all are doing just as well as they can.

Nobody knows where we are going but the proper authority The Adjt. & Qr. Mr. have gone on to Washington on the mail train to see about quarters.

I wish you would see Mr. Currier about my boots. Tell Hatch also that I have not yet had time to settle with the boys, but will soon send him his money.

Write soon & tell me how you are getting along. Give my love to Laura & tell her she must get well soon.

Direct to me as Lt. Col. 12th Vt. Regt. Washington D. C. & I shall get it.

Hoping that you are not too lonely I remain your affectionate husband

Ros.