Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Primary tabs
Your letter written at Quincy a week ago was received yesterday just as we were
leaving our camp near the Junction. I had not time to read it until last
evening. I am glad your cold is no worse but I am sorry that you are not
perfectly well. You must get over your cold at once. I think you will be better
in Vt. than where you are. The cold winds of Mass. are worse than Vt. You would
not have fared much better out here as with two or three days exception we have
had very raw chilly weather. Today is again cold & rainy, as it has
been for the last three days.
We broke up camp yesterday forenoon & moved our baggage down to the R. R. track waiting for the train. That came along about two o'clk & in a short time we were on board & on our way here. The 15th. Regt. came down to take our place & also to guard Bealton Station. A section of the R. I. battery, Capt. Hazard is here with us. We reached here without any trouble & were comfortably encamped & had supper before dark. We are only four miles from Kelly's Ford where the right of Hooker's army crossed the Rappahannock. Three gray backs came in & surrendered just as we came up to the bridge. They belonged to Jackson's army & say that he has lost an arm.
You have probably before now seen some acc't. of the fight at Warrenton Junction.
The papers make a great
deal most of it than it deserves. Our cavalry
gave the rebs. a sound whipping, but it was not a great fight as there was not
three hundred men on either side. I believe I wrote you something in regard to
it before.
My health never was better. I feel well, eat well, & am well. I hope when I
return I shall find you as well as I am myself. You had better buy some porter
& drink. Dont neglect it. I think you had better drink it all the time for
the next two months. Remember I mean what I say. It is the only thing that does
you any good. Have your Uncle Horace buy three doz. bottles, & have it
packed & sent to you at Bradford. If you have not money enough ask him to
wait until you get to Bradford & Mr. Batchelder will let you have some. I
have sent you five dolls. &
will enclose five more in this. Drink
porter & get well & fat. I dont like lean folks I am too lean myself. I
like you dress very much, & think it will become you. You know I always
liked to see you in blue. It becomes you very much. It is not every complexion
that will bear it. Write often for I do not get your letters every day. I will
keep you informed of all our movements, I have written you twice at Bradford so
you will find some letters there when you get home. This I shall direct to
Charlestown as I expect it will reach you there before you leave. I wrote to Ben
yesterday.
Give my love to all. When you go home be sure to have your porter & I think too that you had better have some whiskey. Drink porter & so get rid of your cough. Much love to my dear wife with many kisses.
Yours affectionatelyRos.