Camp Jackson, Williamsport, Maryland

January 7th 1862

Viola,
     I received your letter of the 29th last Wednesday evening.  Haven’t received a letter since.

      New Year’s Night we had the supper that we were invited to.  It was given us by Mrs. Anderson of the Globe Inn.  It was a very good supper.  After we had got thru the supper we went to the Potomac House to see a Ball that was going on there. The hotels here do not have any halls in them.  The two rooms at the Potomac House were about the size of Union Hall in South Berlin.  I would think that there were about 20 couples present besides the solders.

     When the Ball opened there were 4 black fiddlers, but when we were there three of them were so drunk that they had to be carried out, and if the other one had not been sitting in the corner of the room he would not have been able to keep in his chair.  He did not play any tune, but kept sawing away on his violin and beating time with his foot.  I did not see them dance anything but cotillions. There were not more than 6 or 8 chances that they went through one of the dances properly.  They would commence and dance about 3 minutes and the black would have to stop to drink some whiskey.  It was the most amusing thing I have seen since we have been out here.  Some of them could not dance any more than a hog upon ice.

      Thursday the Companies, A, B, E, and H who have been up the river came back to camp. They were gone from here just 5 weeks.  Co’s A and B were at Hancock. Another was at Sir John Run in Virginia 8 miles from Hancock which was occupied by a company of rebel cavalry which Co E drove out and then occupied the place themselves.  During the first week that they were there, they had two or three skirmishes with the rebels and had one man wounded in the leg.  The last three or four weeks that they were there the rebels kept out of the way and did not show themselves. The companies were relieved by the Illinois 39th.  Saturday evening and all through the night we heard very heavy firing in that direction and Sunday morning we heard that General Jackson with a large force of rebels had attacked the town, and drove the Illinois regiment out of it and captured all of their guns, equipment, tents, and baggage wagons.  And in fact everything except what they had on, and then set the town on fire. That was the report.

     Companies D, I, C, and K were ordered up there on a forced march and they got up there about 1 o’clock Monday morning.  4 pieces of this battery went up with them.  Last night we heard that General Jackson took so large a force with him from Winchester that General Reynolds, who has command of Kelly[s] forces now, had made an advance upon Winchester and that General Jackson heard of it and left Hancock for Winchester on the run leaving all of his captured baggage and most all of his own.  He was in such a hurry to get to Winchester to prevent an attack upon the place. This morning the report was confirmed and there was another one that a part of General Rosecrans had cut off Jackson and prevented him from going to Winchester.  If it is all true we shall hear more of it.  There are so many stories in camp and in town that it won’t do to believe them all.

     We heard last night that a regiment and a battery were at Hagerstown quartered in the Court House. They were on their way to Hancock. And this morning that two regiments and a battery passed through  town on their way to Hancock.  If all the reports are true, there will probably be some fighting done somewhere within our hearing.

     Friday night we had about an inch of snowfall.  It was cloudy all day Saturday and it looked as though we might have some more. But it cleared up at sunset, and that night was the coldest night that we have had yet.  Our bread froze so hard that we had to take our wood saw to cut it, and every morning when we got to wash in the brook we have to break a hole through the ice. Sunday night we had about two inches more of snow which makes it look quite winterish.  I went downtown last night. It was a little windy and the wind whistled a round the corners and the snow flew so that it made me think that I was in some New England village instead of one in Maryland. When I was coming over the flat between here  and town the snow flew so that I was glad when I got into the tent.

     The Lieut. Col. has gone to Hancock and when he comes back Tom is going to see if we can quarter down town during the rest of the cold weather. It is so cold now that we cannot play but a little. The snow that we bring into the tents on our boots makes me work with the straw.  The snow has not thawed a particle yet.  It is tip top sleighing on the pike between here and Hagerstown.  If I had any money I should have taken a ride up there last night. The Paymaster is expected here the last of the week.

     There are none sick now except those with colds.  Sunday morning I stopped and washed myself and got a cold. Not anything serious though.

       I hear that the wind made bad work in Marlboro New Years Night. Our cloth houses stand the wind better than the wooden ones.  The canal is froze up now and if there was not any snow on it, there would be a first rate chance to skate.  There are not any ponds in the vicinity. I haven’t seen a pair of skates since we have been here.  I don’t think the folks know much about skating.

           All the requisitions that the Quartermaster has made for lumber is enough to build sheds for the homes.  The teamsters are drawing it now from Hagerstown.

     If I had anything else to do besides play cards I should not write as many letters as I do. I have played cards so much that I had rather be licked than play.

     I have got all the things that I need for comfort.  When we come to move, I shall have all I can to get my things into my valise.

                       Good Bye, Edwin Rice.

Note:  Tom is Bandleader Thomas Richardson; Lieut. Col. Batchelder was in command of the regiment while Col. Leonard commanded all the troops at this post.

MSAm 2332 (25a).  By Permission of the Houghton Library, Harvard University.

Williamsport Md. January 4, 1862

Dear Martha
       My last letter home, dated Dec 31st was sent to Aunt Rebecca.  This letter may be considered as one answering yours of the 26th ult, and Fathers of the 31st. 

     You perceive I am again at Williamsport after an absence of about 5 weeks and a half.  On the 2d inst Co’s. A & B at Hancock, and Cos. H & E which were respectively at Orleans & Sir John’s Run came down the canal by boat to this place.  We passed Dam No. 5, Four locks, Etc. but were not fired upon by the enemy.  They probably had no information of our purpose.  We put up for the night, my company, at our old barracks in the town, but were ordered to start for the camp the next morning.  Arrived at our Company street the scene was anything but enchanting.  Fire had been applied to the straw left in our tent grounds and the stakes all round the tents had been burned.  Add to this the embankments had to some extent been thrown down.  The ground was frozen hard, and the prospect of refitting our tents and rendering them habitable was not promising.  Nevertheless by dint of hard labor we succeeded in making our tents nearby as comfortable as before.  The frost was not more than four inches deep and the ground was soon turned up.  Stakes were made, the tent pins fixed in the ground, straw stuffed between pins and stakes, bank made anew, nice straw for bedding brought, stove re-erected; in short our habitation was completed.  At night shortly after our work was finished, snow began to fall fast & the ground was soon covered with a white mantle.  This morning but an inch or two of snow lies upon the ground.  Every thing looks bleak without & there is little outside of the tent to attract us.  With the stove before us, warm as I want to be, the tent seems more comfortable than the barracks at Hancock.  There is a difference however. There we had the freedom of the town & seemed least at home when in barracks.  Here there is no society, no exchange; we are simply at home. 

     Ten of our company were detailed for guard this morning, but were dismissed at guard mounting. This looks as if we were to do no guard duty here.  I mean our company alone.  The Provost Guard in town & a detachment from our Co. do all the guard duty that is required from the whole company.  Without guard duty I do not see why wintering here may not be quite endurable.  We can easily keep warm & shall have little to do.  Were we only allowed to go to Williamsport when we pleased we should be satisfied.  Whether we are to stay here any length of time cannot be told.  The Col. it is said does not advise the soldiers to lay much money out on the tents; and it is rumored with some degree of probability that the whole of Co. B is to return to Hancock.  But amid the numberless rumors daily set a going by Chaplain, sutler, and eves droppers of every sort, who shall select one as more probably than another ?  The principal reason I have for thinking we may go back to Hancock is that it is about the only place our Company has not returned to after leaving it as we supposed for good. Fates would therefore point to Hancock. If we were to be sent back to Hancock I should be resigned to the change.  My last days in Hancock were passed quite as pleasantly as the first.  In fact I may be considered as having had a six weeks vacation, with just enough to do to keep my hand in.  Toward the last we had no drill or dress parade.  In the morning we answered to our names and looked out for the guard detail.  During the day we stayed in quarters, or discussed the news at the various stores about town.   Little did we seek the eve’g roll call if we wanted to be elsewhere than in quarters.  Little did we care for “taps” either. 

     Thursday Evening the 31st, New Year’s Eve, was the occasion for a taffy party at Mr. Hendersons.  I had a hand in making the egg nog myself, as also the taffy, and it was none the worse for that.  We played different games, among them blind man’s buff & crooked pear tree.  At Eleven o’clock I was obliged to leave to stand guard from eleven to one at Post 5, a bridge which leads out of the town.  My friends came down to see me during the night, and supplied me with cigars of course.  I watched the old year out & the new year in.  Seated before a comfortable wood fire I deemed it no hardship to be on guard from eleven o clock at night Dec. 31st ‘61 to 1 Am Jan’y. 1, 1862.  I thought of Cambridge & wondered if any daring Sophomore was dancing around the Rebellion tree to keep the ancient custom. Here abouts a great many people see the new year in especially the Methodists who have what is called a watch meeting.  

     A great many people were about town, & I was scarcely left alone at my post for a moment.  The New Year rose warm to greet us; mud in the streets ere long to be dried up by a driving wind.  A happy new year you were probably wishing all your friends, I wished “New Year’s gift” to those I wished to catch.  I did’nt know but Mothers was “a merry new year” to me far away from home in order to balance the “happy Christmas” she sent me in her last letter.  I had a happy Christmas and a merry new year.  The new year merry in spite of the fact that I was to leave warm friends on the next day.  I came off guard at 9” Am, and laid my plans for the spending of the day.  I proposed to dine in Pennsylvania, at Kirke’s, sup in Md. & Penn. at the Brosius’s & close the day at Henderson’s;  but as fate would have it I received a note from Mrs. Henderson requesting Sanborn, Chandler and my humble self to take “high tea” with her.  This invitation was not to be disregarded.  I accordingly was obliged to decline the pressing invitations I received to dine in Penn. and reached town at 3 o’clock just in time to go to “high tea."  High tea here is equivalent to a tall dinner, and at the table of course all the luxuries of all seasons were bountifully dispensed.  Lieut. Johnson of the 39th Ill. & Mr. Miller the telegraph operator over the river were at dinner who afterwards enlightened us somewhat on military movements.  I intended to spend the Eve’g. at the Brosius’s, but as Miss Mary & Johnny Brosius were at Henderson’s I concluded to accept Mrs. Henderson’s invitation to spend the Eve’g there.  Accordingly I went to the barracks and packed my valuables in readiness to march at 4 o’clock the next morning.  I found at Mrs. Hendersons on my return Army (Armistead) & Bob Zwingle,  Alph Byers, J. Brosius, Misses Brosius, Kirke, Thomas & the two Miss Byers “right pretty girls I reckon.  With Chandler and Sanborn we formed a very cozy party.  Great was the fun we had playing blind man’s buff.  Right excellent was the egg nog we drank.  One of the ladies gave me a Philippine almond. Neither she nor I could get caught at the entertainment til as “we were leaving I innocently offered her my arm which she took.  “Philippine” I of course remarked.

       The party broke up about midnight I afterward went to Henderson’s store where Zwingle sleeps and had my cigar case filled up to last for the morrow.  There is no end to Hancock hospitality so far as I am concerned.  I said some time ago that I was very near going out after a slave.  The circumstances were this.  Perry, a smart boy about 20 years old who had done nothing of any consequence for two or three years was about to be hired out by Mrs. Brosius.  He concluded to run away & was obliging enough to take her best horse with him.  The folks wanted the horse but did’nt care much for the contraband.  Johnny Brosius was going after the horse & Perry, if he should be with the horse. Having the worst post of all, and a night one at that I did not attempt to get any body to take my place.  Chandler blest with a better post exchanged with another and went on the expedition. He was gone two days, found the horse, and brought it back, riding nearly 40 miles the last day.  The slave was not thought worth spending any money in catching. He had always been tenderly treated.  I suppose however he wanted his freedom, & he got it.

     We got our army blankets a few days ago. Mine weighs 5 pounds & 5 ounces.  I now sleep very comfortably. Mother wants to know if the lost dog has been found. Indeed she thinks dogs not as much out of place after all in a camp.  Perhaps not, but some people would think them more limited for private families.  Father will not renew my subscriptions for the New York World. The news is old before I get it. My package went sour??? ago by Adam’s express.  It left Hagerstown Dec. 31st & goes to Cambridge direct. It is sent express paid.  I had not heard that Haskell was settled at Salem.  Whose church is he settled over ?  Is it a desirable parish ?  I have heard Foote so little that I cannot say I am surprised even at this call to King’s Chapel.  He is universally liked, and I am rejoiced at his success, though I do not know whether he judged well in accepting so arduous a post at the commencement of his ministerial career. He is cautious and doubtless knows very well what he is doing.  I have no doubt he can conduct the liturgical service in a manner more creditable to human nature than any minister of the church in Boston.  I hope he may show his semi-episcopal hearers how impressive the liturgy is when properly conducted.  I trust he may show the people of Boston the beauties of the liturgy, and the beauties of a pure & rational faith.  Congratulate him for me on his enviable success.

     I am glad to hear mother is improving so much in health.  I always thought she worried too much about me and you and I don’t know but my absence from home has had a good effect on her.  Now that she is so well, she must write a whole letter to me occasionally.  Tell father he need not buy me a rubber blanket.  I want you to make me a nice thick pair of mittens with a fore finger attached.  Cousin Sophia offered to make me a pair but perhaps you would prefer to.  I want them very heavy & long wristed.  These mittens and my scarf can be sent at a fitting opportunity.  How does Charles do ?  I haven’t heard from him lately.  Do you ever ride in his buggy ? 

With love to all     Your Aff. Brother
    I send you a shinplaster.      John B. Noyes.

WILLIAMSPORT, MD., January 4, 1862

      Dear Father, - Our detachment, consisting of companies A, B, E, and H, left Hancock January 2d, at ten o’clock A.M., in two canal-boats, and arrived here at eight o’clock in the evening; had a pleasant trip down the canal; the weather was rather cold, though the sun was out clear; we made the twenty-six miles without any serious accident; four or five of the men, while fooling and trying to jump on shore, fell into the water.  One man made a jump from the stern of the boat and struck the edge of the tow-path, lost his balance, and made a back somersault right into the canal; he looked comical, I can assure you.  Another man lost his rifle in the canal and could not recover it again. We passed old Fort Frederick:  this is quite a large fort, and was built during the Revolution, I think.  Arriving at Dam No 5, we expected an attack from the rebels, as at this point we leave the canal, enter the river, and pass a point of land, then enter the canal on the other side.  Although our boats were very much exposed, the enemy did not attack us. This is the place where the fight took place alluded to in my last letter.  We landed and visited the contested ground.  I counted twenty holes made by shells in one brick house, so you will judge the fight was rather severe, but we did not lose a man.  Judging from the newspaper accounts of what is going on here, you must think the rebels have not allowed us much rest since I wrote last.  Hancock, Dam No. 5, “and the d----d Thirteenth” (as the rebels style us), are objects of their especial hatred; and Dam No. 5, they say, they are bound to destroy yet.

     My previous knowledge of canal-boating, as you are aware, was in the capacity of deputy cook, during a few trips made with my cousin, Captain Sam. Holt Brown, on the canal between Bridgton and Portland; but here the canal-boats and dams are on a grand scale, throwing the Cumberland quite into the shade.  As it was about eight o’clock when we arrived, we took up our quarters in the Lutheran church; next day went up to the head-quarters of our regiment, which is about a mile from town, and there pitched our tents.  It is quite a job to pitch tents on frozen ground:  stakes are driven within about a foot of each other, leaving them about three or four feet out of the ground; then weave in straw, and bank up with earth all around; then pitch your tent on the top of that; in this way we get more room and the tent is much warmer.

     I have not heard anything of the Webb boys since I came here, but presume they have gone into winter-quarters at the Relay House.  I shall certainly like very much to meet with them and Captain Bailey. . . . .  Just finished my dinner; had beefsteak and rice, not cooked as mother would have done it, but nevertheless it was quite good.  Notwithstanding all the grumbling that we hear, I think we live quite well in the army:  we have sugar in our coffee; milk of course we do not expect.  While at Hancock, some of our boys went over into “the land of Dixie,” and borrowed nine sheep; they lasted us for two days, and we lived high.

     I am perfectly well; have gained in flesh seven pounds since leaving home, and weigh 147 pounds in my thin coat.  But I will close by wishing all the dear ones at home a “Happy New Year,” or, as a Marylander would express it, “New Year’s Gift.”

Kindly remember me to all who may inquire after Warren, and believe me to be,
                     Your affectionate son,

WARREN.

Letter transcription taken from the now defunct web-site "Letters of the Civil War".
Roxbury City Gazette;  January 9, 1862. p. 2, col. 8.

  Camp Jackson,
      Williamsport, Md., Jan. 5, 1862.

Mr. Editor : - Not having written to you for two weeks, I thought I would drop you a few lines to keep you posted as to our whereabouts.  We received orders on last Wednesday to prepare to return to camp, and on Thursday, at 8 o’clock, we left Sir John’s Run, for Hancock, where we were to join the rest of the detachment.  We started at 11 o’clock on some canal boats, and rode all day, arriving at this place at 9 o’clock, P. M.  We passed, on our way down, those places where the rest of our regiment had had some brushes with the rebels, the four locks and dam No. 5.  And we were informed on leaving Hancock, that the rebels would open fire on us on our way down, but they did not make their appearance.

We left in our place, at Hancock and Sir John’s Run, the 39th Illinois Regiment.

When we arrived at Williamsport, it was so late that it was decided to put the men in the churches in the town, as it was very cold and the men had been quartering in houses since they had been away, and it would be too severe to put them in tents the first night.  The next morning we marched on to the field and pitched our tents; but it is rough to sleep in a tent now.  It is very cold here at present.

Last night we heard heavy firing in the direction of Hancock, and about half-past 9 we saw a large fire in that direction.  This morning we received the news that the rebels had come down last night and drove the regiment stationed there over to this side of the river, and had torn down the telegraph wire, and commenced to tear up the railroad track for about six miles, and shelled the town of Hancock, burning it half up.

 The Illinois troops never drilled much, and have rather poor officers; the report is, that they did not stand it well; but it is only on account of not knowing how.  So you see in a few hours the rebels have destroyed what the government has been five weeks upon, and what we have been taking care of; and I honestly believe it would not have been done if they had let us stay there.  Immediately on the reception of the news, Col. Leonard and Gen. Lander went up to Hancock.  The Col. came back this morning, and Gen. Lander remained; he has been detailed to take command of that portion of the rail road and rebuild it.

We have just received orders for four companies to march immediately to Hancock, and companies D, C, I and K, will start this afternoon.  There will be no rebels there on their arrival, - it has been so always.  It is too bad to keep men trotting about so.  We are on the go all the time.  There have been times within the last two weeks, that we had no men on the field at all; some in one place and some in another.  We have heard heavy firing from the direction of Hancock all day, and the whole of us may have to go yet.  I do not think of anything more at the present, and I will close.

Yours,  Rocket.

[Digital Transcription by James Burton]

THE STAUNTON SPECTATOR
January 8, 1862

     Operations of the Stone-wall Brigade

     The multiplicity and contrariety of rumors in reference to the operations of Gen'l Thomas J. Jackson's forces are so great that we find it impossible to give anything like a satisfactory account of them. From the Winchester Republican we learn that when our forces were within a few miles of Bath, in Morgan county, on their onward march, a skirmish ensued between our advance guard and the enemy's picket, in which we lost one killed and five or six wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded could not be definitely ascertained. Eight prisoners were, however, captured. Brig. Gen Meem was then sent around with his militia to prevent the Yankees, 1,400 strong, from retreating from Bath by a narrow defile in the mountain, the only way of escape left them. Upon the closing in of our lines; confident that the enemy was in our grasp, it was found that the Yankee rascals were too smart for the militia, and had made good their escape. Seven additional prisoners were, however, secured, with some five hundred Overcoats and from 800 to 1,000 Rifles. The rail road bridge at Capon River, just completed by the enemy, was also destroyed, with the loss of several killed and wounded. The loss to the enemy other than the burning of the bridge we could not learn. (Our entire loss so far is five killed and fifteen wounded). This we believe to be the sum total of the damage done to the enemy. 

     On Thursday week it appears that the Yankees, some three thousand strong, left Romney and surprised the militia, 600 in number, under Col. Monroe, at Hanging Rock, one mile from Col. Blue's, and 14 from Romney, the enemy capturing two of our guns, and securing what has been regarded heretofore as an impregnable position. We lost none in killed, wounded or prisoners. After taking possession of this position, the enemy next visited the farm of Colonel Blue, killing all of his stock and burning his barn and all of his out buildings. Some report his dwelling as burnt also, but this lacks confirmation. On their return toward Romney, old Mr. Reed, a worthy and loyal citizen, was shot, fortunately not mortally, and then locked in his house, which was fired and burned to the ground over his head. Some two thousand of these desperadoes still hold possession of Hanging Rock, whilst Romney is occupied by about 6,000. Whether they will be suffered to winter there time will tell.

     From the Rockingham Register we learn that two of the sons of Rockingham were killed--John Berry (son of John K. Berry near Edom) and Jacob Nisewander, son of Samuel Nisewander near Antioch. They were members of Capt. Arch. Taylor's company of militia.

     From a correspondent of the Lynchburg Republican, we learn that on the evening of the 4th inst., Colonel Rusk, of Arkansas, proceeded up the road to the west of Bath, to burn the Capon bridge, in command of a brigade consisting of four regiments and a battery. When near the bridge he saw the camp fires of the enemy, and advanced to attack them. It seems that the enemy were aware of his approach, and had taken position some distance to the rear, so as to ambuscade his command. Before the Col. was aware of the position of the enemy he was fired into. Finding himself thus ambuscaded, Col. Rusk halloed with all his voice as if to forces yet in his rear--"bring up the 16th and 18th Mississippi regiments, the 6th Texas brigade, and hurry up that battery." This command to ideal forces had the proper effect, and immediately the enemy broke and ran like sheep. Rusk, however, from the first attack lost four men killed and eighteen wounded.

Westboro Transcript
January 25, 1862

A letter from Co., K., giving an account of the late march of four companies to Hancock (in anticipation of a brush with the rebels), says:

     “on our arrival we were ordered to quarter in the houses.  The one which was demanded by our officers for a part of our company, was refused by the inmates, and their key turned upon us; but the application of the breech of a gun to the door panels soon rectified that.  We found eight beds in the house, each of which was in a very short time affording rest to three or four weary soldiers.  One man composed himself to sleep on the top of a fine piano; and the rest roosted where they could get a chance.  There was a fine large library in the house, which furnished reading for all who desired it.  Good carpets were on the floors, but the Maryland mud soon did the business for them.  Thank God the war is no nearer home; its ravages are almost inconceiveable to those who have not witnessed them.

“I send a copy of a note which we found nailed to a tree.  It was written on a piece of pasteboard, by the rebels, and directed to the captain and sutler of an Illinois regiment, which had retreated before them, and allowed its camp equipage to fall into their hands.  It is as follows:

     ‘To Capt. A.G. Kennicott, Co., 39th Illinois volunteers.
     ‘Dear Sir – Having come in possession of a trunk and contents which is supposed to be yours, we will take it along with us for a two-fold reason:  First, your blockade has caused the price of fine clothes to advance, which makes it very hard to get them; secondly, to effect some part of our Laurel Hill losses.  Should you call at the office, No. 131 Whitehall Street, Atlanta, Ga., as you pass through with your “Grand Army,” you will find some of us ready to make the matter right with you. – Yours truly,
‘Jeffs. Boys.

Compliments of Daniel Boone (formerly of Petersville, Frederick Co., Md., at present of the Macon Rangers, Ashby’s Cavalry), to the very prudent sutler, lately of Alpine, may he never want for beef junk or crackers.

‘Mr. Sutler, lately in business at this place: having taken charge of your stock on hand and disposed of the same, and not being able to obtain an interview with you for the purpose of settlement, please make our your bill, and present it for payment at the captain’s office, Atlanta, Ga. – Yours truly,
1st Regt. Ga. Vols.

Note: the Westboro Transcript dated Feb. 8th corrects this article stating it was a member of Co. I that found the note.  [digital transcription by Brad Forbush]

Williamsport Md Jan 12

   Dear Father
      I received your letter Last night and was glad to hear from you  I dint know as I have expressed myself as being homesick in Georgie’s letter  I am healthy and enjoying myself although I would like it well enough to be at home this winter but I think it would be to[o] dead around the south end in summer   I am bound to stay and see it through   I think it will be settled soon by the looks of things although I am no judge.  The weather is pretty cold we have had snow enough to run a sleigh  I believe the thermometer was 3 above zero  the coldest day we have had.  I have written a letter to grandmother and just sent it  I should be glad to hear from Vermont  I have seen no Vermont regiment yet  I should like to see one.

      I am back to the regiment   after we left Hancock and been in camp two days  the rebels came down to the river opposite Hancock and drove the Illinois 39th regt across the river they fired shell into Hancock Companies D, I, C, K were dispached to Hancock they did not see the rebels they are afraid of the 13th.

     Our mess have erected a house with 12 bunks in it  it cost us $32  we have got 3 first class carpenters in the mess by the way we have got a barber in the mess.  The dinner has just come in.  I cannot think of any more news

Give my love to all   Kiss Hugh for me
Good bye

                        From your son

    Direct Williamsport Md. Please excuse this short letter   I have written 4 to day and directed about 30 for the boys.

CAMP JACKSON, WILLIAMSPORT, MD., January 19, 1862.

     Dear Father, - I received your kind letter of the 14th this morning, and will try to improve this time (as it is quiet for a wonder) in answering it.  It is rather difficult to keep one’s mind sufficiently collected to write where there is so much talking and laughing; and quite impossible for me to write a long letter at any time, though some of the boys will get off four or five sheets.

     I am sorry you object to my smoking.  I don’t think I could give it up now; it is one of the greatest comforts I have.  I can’t see as their is any harm in it unless indulged in to excess.  Every man in our mess smokes, and our chaplain – why I have never seen him off duty (at home I should say, “out of the sacred desk”) but what he had a pipe in his mouth, and the boys all call him a most excellent man.

   Since I wrote last our mess have put up a small house, twelve by fifteen feet; it is rather close quarters for eighteen men, but we are getting used to it; we have also got a “contraband,” on low wages, to cook for us, and are really beginning to live in quite good shape.

     On account of the mud, drilling is omitted altogether.  Guard duty is about one day and night out of eight: there are seventeen posts, three reliefs to a post, so that each man has two hours on and four off. It is rather tough these cold and stormy nights, but a solder is expected to stand it without flinching – that is duty.  Visions of home, and the loved ones there reposing, during these solitary hours, of course spring up in the imagination, and if a tear comes unbidden to the eye, it only shows that in becoming soldiers we do not cease to be men.

     Yesterday they signed the pay-roll, and the pay-master is expected along to-morrow. They make quite a sell out of this affair; somebody will start the cry, Pay-master! Pay-master! when it will be taken up and echoed through all parts of the camp; then the boys will all rush out of their tents into the mud, but to see that they are sold.

     This is the kind of life to stretch a fellow out, sleeping on boards.  I am in Mess No. 1, which is the head of the line, where the tall fellows are. There is one six feet four, two six feet three, and four more over six feet; and though I am only eighteen years old, I am fast being drawn out among the six-footers – only lack one inch of it now.

     The Potomac at this place, I should think was between two and three hundred yards wide; the water is rather shallow, as there are ripples in many places; the rebels at Dam No. 5, that I shot at, were on the opposite side, and about one third of a mile off, but as our sights were elevated for a range of 900 yards, they were within range – at  least  they gave me palpable evidence of being within reach of their rifles.

     January 26. – Mud, nothing but mud.  I hope my boots will arrive soon so that I may have dry feet once more. We cannot leave here until the earth is in better condition for marching, and drilling is out of the question; so we have much idle time on our hands, and the boys say, “Tell your friends to send on the papers; we shall be thankful for anything to read.”

 Baked beans for breakfast this Sunday morning, first I have seen since leaving Boston, and the way the boys went into them, and the vast quantities they put out of sight, would have astonished my Bridgton cousins, I am sure. I certainly never saw anything like it while I officiated on board the canal-boat.

But I must close. Letters will find me at Williamsport for some weeks to come, I think.

WARREN.

January 26th 1862

Viola,
     I suppose you have been expecting a letter from me before this reaches you, but we (the Band) have been a moving.  Last Tuesday we moved to town. We board at the Globe, that is get our meals there and lodge around at private houses.  We have a large room to rehearse in and if we could have got another room with it we should have boarded ourselves. We get our rations and $1 each per week for our board, and as good as I want.  Better than what I was used to having at home.  We had ought to get boarded for our rations alone without having to pay anything, but I have no fault to find for if we boarded ourselves we should spend more than a dollar a week for butter, cheese, etc.

     Gassett, Ward, and I sleep in the Band room.  The room is about 16 x 20 feet, and a part of Co B was quartered in it and they used it pretty hard. They tore up the mop boards and a window casing to build fires with, and about a third of the plaster and the lathes are off overhead. We have got a large old cook stove in it and by keeping it full of wood we can manage to keep the rooms comfortably warm.

     We got the stove on Tuesday and had to wait until Thursday before we could get funnel enough. After we had got that we had to wait until last night for the wood, and that was so green that Gassett and I went out and stole some dry wood to kindle the fire with. The Provost Guard quarters in the same building with us. The marshal’s office is the next door to us.

     The chaplain, wife, and two children board at the Globe. There are not any services today. That is the fourth Sunday that there has not been any.

     This is the pleasantest day that we have had for along time.  It is clear and cool, and not a cloud in the sky. It seems the most like Sunday than any day I have seen since we left Massachusetts. Everything is still outside and we can hear the church bells ring and see the folks going to and from church.

     If the canal should freeze up now it would make first rate skating. The river rose 30 feet but now it is no higher than usual.

     The Paymaster has been coming tomorrow for two weeks past.  We signed our pay rolls yesterday and the adjutant told Tom that he was expected today and if he came we should be paid off tomorrow.

     I  received another letter from Eunice Tuesday night.  Dexter Pratt wrote me that George Millsgay was in the 23rd Massachusetts Regiment. I guess he can do his country more good there than he can anywhere else.

     Gassettt had a letter from his wife last night.  She wrote that May Pratt had her arm caught n a belt at Boyd, Corey & Company, while putting it onto a sewing machine wheel. It tore the flesh some but not so but what the doctor said she would get over it in a week or two.

                                  Yours &C
                                          Edwin Rice

Camp Jackson Jan. 27th
Williamsport Md

Dear Mother

    I am well as usual and enjoying myself    I have got no news to write  I am cook for the mess  I am making soup for dinner   we have plenty of fresh meat all of the time  I like cooking pretty well although it is pretty hard for one to cook out doors for 24 men   I have to get up early morning and go out in the cold and get break fast    I don’t know how long I shall cook  I can cook all of the time if I wish to.  I don’t hardly think the army will go forward this winter the roads are so bad all though they talk of it most of the time   I hope they will our regiment is the advance guard of the right wing of the army.   I think Banks will cross the river at this place   A U.S. survayor has been measuring the distance across the river and getting the soundings.  Lieutenant Fox of co. K has been drawing a map of Va between this point and Martinsburg all of the roads and by ways every little detale.  You spoke of sending a box with sock and shirts and drawers   I would like to have them as soon as possible – I don’t think there is any thing that I need   if you have any little luxury   I would like to give it to one of our boys in the hospital     on the whole most of the boys are very healthy.   day before yesterday we signed the pay roll  I was complimented on my writing the lieut said “good Jim hard to be beat.”  I have to direct most of the letters for the boys.  Last night was the stillest sabath night we have had for some time     most of the boys were reading the bible two or three commenced to read it through    I have read the testament most through  I cannot think of any thing more to write  give  my love to all    Kiss Hugh for me
            from your son
                James

        WILLIAMSPORT, MD., February 3, 1862.

Dear Father, - I received yours of the 29th ult. yesterday; the box from Boston was received at the same time.  I can assure you it does seem good to get these things from home. The box “opened rich,” as they say.  There was a roast turkey, fat and plump, from Aunt Susan; two loaves of sponge-cake from mother; a box of figs from Albert; half a peck of seed-cakes, etc.; also a worsted under-garment and prime pair of boots, and kind remembrances from Susy and Georgy. The rule of our mess is that all eatables that come in this way are common property; so they were spread upon the table, and after the boys had partaken freely they pronounced the sponge cake tip-top, and the turkey A No. 1.

     I have been troubled some with a cough lately; should an opportunity of sending to me occur I should like some cough candy.   It is snowing to-day, rained yesterday, and was awful muddy the day before – that is the average run of the weather out here in the winter; the snow never collects to the depth of more than two or three inches.  Company G struck their tents this morning; they are going down to Falling Waters to relieve Company F, which is there on picket duty.

     We had religious services in the open air yesterday for the first time since I have been here; they seemed very appropriate, but quite short on account of the weather over head, and mud and “slosh” under foot.  Our chaplain expressed his belief that we were soon to see more active service and meet the rebels face to face.

     February 9. – I received a copy of the “Boston Journal” of the 5th inst. This morning, and as it was the latest Boston paper in the mess it has been in constant demand all day:  other papers have been received for which I thank you, also for your kind letter of the 5th, received to-day.  Mother asks if I should not like to have her send me a pillow.  When I read that to the boys they shouted and said it was a capital joke – a “soldier with a pillow!”  Why, the knapsack is a soldier’s pillow the world over; and then I could not carry it about with me; we have enough to carry as it is.  When a boy carries his trunk upon his back he must discard all superfluities.  I have already the following articles which I wish to take with me, and if we leave in heavy marching order, I suppose I can carry them, namely:  four pairs of socks, two extra pairs of drawers, and under-shirts, extra pair of pants, one heavy army blanket weighing six or seven lbs., one rubber blanket, haversack with two or three days' provisions, canteen, and writing material, with numerous little et caeteras; then there are those absolutely necessary articles, as rifle, cartridge-box, with forty rounds of ball cartridges, belts, etc.  A soldier thus loaded down, in the mud as deep as it is now, would present a sorry picture; still we could move on, make several miles a day; but our baggage train, loaded down with camp equipage, stores etc. and our heavy battery of twelve- pounders, with solid shot, shells, and other ammunition that must accompany a well- appointed army, -  think of these things, you stay-at-home bodies that are continually crying “Onward! Onward!” and tell us what we should do with our wheels sunk to the hub in mud, and horses and mules floundering in the mire.  No it will be better to leave these matters to the brave officers in command; when the great day of battle shall come, I trust they will be equal to the emergency.  As soon as the earth will permit us to move over it with safety we shall embrace the opportunity.

     We had considerable excitement in our camp on Thursday last.  At four o’clock P.M. we had orders to move in light marching order at seven o’clock.  We went to the captain’s tent and received forty rounds of ball cartridges; as there was no time to cook beef, each man was served with a loaf of bread – this, with one blanket and equipments, was all we were to carry.  Seven o’clock came and no order to march; at nine o’clock all lights were ordered to be put out, and the men allowed to sleep if they could; the night wore away without our being called out, and the alarm subsided.  We afterward learned that it was intended to send us over to Martinsburg.  It seems that General Lander had made an attack on Jackson’s forces and were driving them down in the direction of Martinsburg; but Jackson burnt the bridge over the South Potomac River.  This put an end to the pursuit by Lander, and Jackson and his army escaped. Had not this taken place we should have crossed over and attacked Jackson on his retreat, but as he was an army of from 8,000 to 10,000 men, it would not be prudent to attack him with the few regiments that could be thrown across the Potomac from this point.

     To the question about the loyalty of the people about here, I would observe, that they seem to be for the Union while we are here, but secession when we are away. There are not many slaves here, and but few free negroes; the free negroes, I think, come from neighboring towns to seek employment about our camps.  Private soldiers can get a pass to visit Williamsport (one mile distant) about every week; it is quite a pretty place of at least, I should think, 1,000 inhabitants.  There are a number of women and children around our camp with poyes, as they call them, at a levy, twelve and a half cents, a piece; they also have different kinds of cakes, and what they call pones, a kind of apple turnover.

     We are about thirty miles from Colonel Fletcher Webster’s regiment; they are near Frederick.

     There is a photograph artist about the camp, but he has such a crowd about his saloon all the time that I have not been able to get a picture yet.

     I would renewedly thank our kind friends at home for the substantial comforts and luxuries furnished us in camp.  I not only speak in my own behalf but also for the boys, whose happy countenances express how  much gratitude they feel for those mothers, aunts, and brothers and sisters who fill those boxes with creature comforts, etc.  But I must close.  Do write often to your undutiful son.

WARREN.

WESTBORO TRANSCRIPT
Feb. [8th?] 1862

     The gallant 13th, as we glean from a programme kindly furnished us by Mr. G. Balcom, are charming the people of the towns in the vicinity of their camp, ‘with concord of sweet sounds, as well as executing the harsher and discordant notes of war.  A Regimental Glee Club has been formed from the ranks, in which the following named individuals are the artists, Messrs O.W. Waite, M. J .Dagney, J. W. Greene, J. Nicholson, J. Klenert, - known familiarly in M. as little Johnny --- and E.S. Downing.  One concert was given at Hagerstown, and the people of that place are promised in the Bill before us, a second, with an entire change of programme.  The success of the first had emboldened a second attempt, which we hope will be like unto it in that respect.  We always look with interest, to the doings of the 13th, and with much of anxiety for their welfare in Camp, and success when they shall be called to battle.  Massachusetts may well be proud of such sons as she has sent to the banks of the Potomac.

[digital transcription by Brad Forbush]

February 10th 1862

Viola,
     Not having anything in particular to do, thought I would commence a letter to you if I did not finish it.

     The weather has been pleasant for 4 or 5 days past. Yesterday and today it was quite pleasant though pretty cool.  Last night was the coldest night that we have had yet, and it promises to be pretty cool tonight.

     We are having a very easy time now. We have not rehearsed for nearly a week.  Had to play at dress parade Thursday, Friday, Saturday and tonight.  Friday night the ‘non coms’ of Co I had a dance at the Globe.  There were about 20 couples present and they seemed to enjoy themselves hugely. The ladies were very well pleased with it, though the music was good considering it was furnished by Tom Viles and Lieutenant Howe.

     Had services again yesterday and should judge from what the Chaplain said that there is a chance for some of the men in the regiment to mend their ways.

     I am not going to lodge in the Band room after tonight if I can get lodging elsewhere, as I don’t care about having a lot of persons playing bluff and poker and other games of  a like character in the room when I want to read or write.  Since Co B has been here there has been a good deal of it done. Am going to get a room for myself if I can.

     I weighed myself this morning and much to my surprise found that I weighed 175 pounds.  My health continues to be as good as ever.  Am not as anxious to be discharged as I was.

     I see by my diary that it is over two weeks since have written to you. I did not think it was so long.  I never knew the time to pass away as fast as it does now when I have so little to do. I received a letter from you on the 29th.  There has not anything transpired in this vicinity since I wrote you. We were paid on the 29th.

     There are 13 men belonging to our regiment in the guard house awaiting a court marital for being drunk.

     Captain Pratt of Co. E and Lieutenant Chamberlain of Co H have resigned their commissions and have got their discharge from the army. I don’t now what their notion is by resigning. If they stayed a few weeks more, they might have had a chance to fight.

Tuesday Morning
     It is very pleasant this morning.  I am going to Hagerstown today to get a pair of pants.  The quartermaster has not got any long enough for me. I haven’t had but one pair since we have been out here.

     A dispatch was received here last evening saying that a fight had been going on between General Jackson and General Lander at Ballou's Bluff, 5 miles this side of Romney. Did not say which was victorious.

     I see by last night’s papers that General Burnsides expedition has been heard from at Roanoke Island.

Yours &c
Edwin Rice

Ms Am 2332 (28a) "By permission of the Houghton Library, Harvard University."

Sharplers Store, about 3 miles above
Williamsport Md., Feb’y 22d 1862

Dear Martha,
       Last Thursday I came to this store with Corpl. Mayo, Chandler & Mecuen to do night picket duty.  Tomorrow I shall again return to Wmport. Your undated letter, with mothers of the 17th reached me yesterday.  I had been expecting it for a fortnight as Father intimated in his letter of the 5th inst. that you were about to write.  I had just concluded to wait no longer when I received your interesting epistle.  In a letter to George of the 13th inst. which he may not have shown you I stated that as there was nothing of importance in fathers note I would answer it in my letter to you.  But as your, and, mother’s letters are so full of interesting matter I am at fault.  The next time I will answer father’s note promptly, and let other notes take care of themselves.  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 

     The staid town of Williamsport is still as staid as ever.  There is little or no gayety at this place as in Hancock.  There friends were friends and were seen in each other’s houses.  Here although the people are very cordial, still you never meet them at each other’s houses; and this although the best families in the place are nearly related to each other.  The nearest approach to gayety, which I have seen here took place last week.  There are two or three quite pretty churches (for Md.) in this town which are not in the best financial circumstances.  

     The Rev. Mr. Lepley discourses to the Lutherans.  Of late the most spirited, if not the most telling portion of his discourses has been devoted to drumming his congregation. Now it so happens that Lepley, rather a dull preacher, not young, somewhat straitened in means, was a Unionist from the start.  This alienated from him the richest portion of his congregation who were secession sympathizers.  Hence Mar lachrymas.  

     The Rev. Mr. Russell of the Presbyterian Church raised a company of cavalry.  Father will recollect him as making a masterly retreat when Jackson advanced upon Hancock.  This church wishing to raise the wind determined upon having a concert which was managed by the younger portion of the congregation.  A few men in the Reg’t. styling themselves the 13th Glee Club had given a couple of concerts at Hagerstown which were very popular and successful.  How would a concert do in Williamsport ?  Nothing but the grand concert by the young ladies’ was talked of for a week !  Of course I was for it.  

     There was a rehearsal at Dr. Weissels on the 12th inst. at which all the “top” was present.  I was somewhat surprised to find that one lady was the only representative from Williamsport in the ladies’ grand concert !  As Lt. Pierce; late Sergt. Major, was one of the principal performers, Col. Leonard his particular friend was of course present with Adjt. Bradley, Capt. Cary, a minor performer & Lt. Sampson of Co. B.  These were the big bugs.  Two or three of my company, beside the performers made up the male company.  A pleasant time of course for all hands.  The next Eve’g. a rehearsal in the Presbyterian Church, the company the same.  Next night to that the grand concert !  Of course the band discoursed sweet music.  Miss Laura Shoop sang one or two pieces with Lieut. Pierce, Corp. Russel Co. A., Corp’l Armstrong Co. B. & Dick White Co. B. who were the chief performers.  Among other pieces the “Murmuring Sea”  “The Sexton” “The Moon behind the hill” & “Mother dear” were particularly noticeable.  A medley to the accompaniment of a guitar by Lt. Pierce & Yankee Doodle by Miss ---- of Hagerstown, an instrumental piece solicited great applause.   The “Spanish Retreat” by the band was also capital.  After the concert an onset was made upon the bountifully supplied tables.  Roast pig, fowl, oysters & ice cream stood but a poor show before the members of our Company who par excellance understood the town ropes.  I forgot to say that the church was decorated, which of course could not have been done without hands.  The next Eve’g. Saturday, 2d night of the festival closed the performances.  Then all was still in Warsaw.

     The town has been very quiet of late.  February 4th ‘Lamon’s Brigade’ that nominated nothing left Williamsport for Baltimore & now the “brigade” is no more.  The four companies or parts of companies and the two cavalry companies which constituted it are now attached to other brigades.  Kennedy’s roughs & Capt. Carne’s company, dreaded company on the Virginia Border, and the cavalry away, there was peace in the streets of Williamsport, which has not since been interrupted.

     On the 12th inst. I was transferred to the picket guard of our Company which came to town about the 1st of the month.  To explain matters about 20 men are on headquarter guard, about 32 men on provost guard, and about the same number on picket duty.  Those guards are distinct from each other.  As you may infer we do about three times as much duty as any other company in the Regiment.  This is from the force of circumstances.  I go on picket every other day straight alone, Four hours duty in the day time, and four in the night, either 2 or 4 off, or 4 hours on, 1st eight hours off.  At this post up the river, away from barracks, I go on but 3 hours every night, between 9 P.M. and 6 A.M.  In camp you have to do guard duty but about once a week.  There is little poetry about picket duty, in winter, especially when it comes so often.

     Some excitement was created in our camp about a week ago when it was rumored that a part of our Regiment was to be transferred to a Mass. or N.E. Regiment organizing to take part in the Mississippi Expedition.  Only about a dozen men left which I believe included was the limited number for our Reg’t.  Of those volunteering to go, it somehow happened that the choice in almost all cases fell upon confirmed “rummies” who had often enlivened the usually dull guard house.

     Camp and town have hardly ceased to talk about the mysterious flotilla of some 50 empty canal boats which were towed down the canal last Tuesday.  All that is known by the boatman is that they were in the employ of the Government.  Whether the boats are to be used to construct bridges, or for purposes of transportation – and at what place a bridge is to by built & if any, these are the questions propounded at the corner of the streets and the pot houses.  These questions unsettled, the town is again thrown into a hub bub as to whether there are 400 rebel deserters in Berkely Co. Va., who are coming over to our side to fight our battles.  Who shall decide when doctors disagree ?  Our Co. & Reg’t. are now particularly exercised as to whether we are to move to Dixie before the middle of next week.  It is said that the Col., a cautious man, has expressed an opinion that we shall be in Martinsburgh by that time.  Vague rumors of 5 days rations, started perhaps five days too soon, are current, & the Col’s calculations and surmises may after all be knocked into the middle of next week.

     Meanwhile content to leave or stay I’ll let the world wag day by day.

     Again it is reported and perhaps with some truth, that we are to lose Lieut. Hovey who is  to take command of Co. E, Viz(?) Capt. Pratt resigned, and the men are anxious lest an old sergeant of our Co., now Commisary Serg’t., never much liked, should oust our orderly sergeant, the choice of the men.  This anxiety is probably not much lessened when they go to draw the two pair of warm woolen socks sent to us by Hovey & Co, and knit by the ladies of Boston(?); for faith they are big enough for those Maine giants the papers talked of and would make passable drawers.  Speaking of socks that last pair of mother’s, and indeed all the others fit to a t , which stands for tippet, alias scarf which agrees very well with my neck these damp nights.  And talking about the way to keep warm I want you to thank Martha Brattles again for her mittens which are ne plus ultra.  They are my vade mecum.  And mecum suggests Mecuen to whom I gave her other pair of mittens, which I notice are on the desk before me indicative of his likeing them well.  I see that I have got to the end of my second sheet, and I seldom trespass further on anybody’s patience; but as I haven’t yet got to your letter I suppose I shall have to blot another sheet; and as I have now plenty of room before me I will tell you how I got this paper and “them envelopes.”

I have quite a stock of large size French paper left, but I was hard up for envelopes, when the 25 (cents) portfolio  package venders came round.  Each package contains 18 sheets paper & 18 envelopes & “one beautiful article of jewelry.”  I bought one package containing “one [extraordinarily beautiful ] beautiful article of jewelry “which I immediately exchanged with a by-stander for his package minus the expensive jewelry, and while I am about it (when shall I get to your letter) I will tell a story.

     I was on guard at the Potomac Hotel.  One Gen. Olvert occasionally comes there to moisten his tongue now dried by years sixty and five.  A man stood on the porch of the hotel selling packages of paper without jewelry, the purchaser drawing his jewelry , if lucky by lottery, with a chance of drawing a five dollar bill, which was of course never drawn.  Olbert drew paper & a breast pin. He carried that breast pin home, told his wife he had drawn it in a lottery and asked her to give it to his daughter.  His wife thought it was pure gold, and gave him a quarter to try his luck again.  He drew a box of blacking & sleeve buttons; sold the buttons for 20 cents, and the blacking for a glass of apple brandy.  When he got home he told his wife who asked him what he drew that he only drew a blank that time.  Olbert was crowing over the men minus their quarters risked for the five dollar note, saying that instead of losing anything he had made a quarter by the operation.   The quarter was of course soon gone.

     I am glad to hear you have been enjoying yourself so much lately.  I should have liked to have been at Sarah Reid’s.  Her parties are always so sociable.  Give her my regards when you see her again.  I haven’t had a sleigh ride this winter; the snow melting here as fast as it falls, serving only to make mud.  Else I should have taken a trip to Hancock before this.  You must read “love and skates” by Theo. Winthorp in Jan. & Feb. Atlantic.  I should like to read Cecil Dreeme, & John Brent. (two other books by Winthorp) But good books don’t penetrate these remote places. Not a Harper or Atlantic even is probably taken in Williamsport.  “Great Expectations” has been floating round the messes of our company but I have not read it.  I am glad to see you are taking some interest in polite literature.  A portion of a young ladies spare time spent in good novel reading is not ill spent.  Henry Gardines has gone to Ship Island then I should hardly like to go there.  Did you see his Regiment ?  They are reported to be a fine looking set of men.  I am sorry to hear of Lizzy Coyman’s sickness.  What is her illness  ?  Does the Dr. Despair of her ?  I hope the Dr. will be poor judge then this time, & that she may be saved.  Annie is engaged to Wolcott is she not ?   I am not sure whether she is or not.  What could have possessed Holland and Gannet to go on such a wild goose expedition as theirs to Port Royal.  Men in these parts who teach grammar school and are considered very good teachers, say “thence apples are sweet” straight a long.  Are darkies better than white men ? that these cultivated scholars should waste their talents on such barren soil?   I have seen enough of Southern darkies, free slave, and contraband to say no to any such journey.  Perhaps however the journey may be for the best.  Experience is a good teacher.  It may save them from future similar actions.  I will try to have my photograph taken before long.  Has yours been taken yet ?  Is Emily Greenough, late daughter of the late Alfred Greenough of Boston Fannie Greenoughs cousin, & the girl we used to know.  Hoppen will of course know.  A handkerchief would go with a Journal for two cents.  As I had some extra expenses this winter, such as boots &c I concluded to remit no money this time.  I am now largely in funds, and shall remit a portion of my net two months pay, if nothing intervenes.  I do not know Rice of Co. K.  Letters from Uncle John and Stephen lately received.  Both well.

     With Love to all the Family
                            I am Yours Affectionately
                                 John B. Noyes.

  WILLIAMSPORT, MD., February 23, 1862

Dear Father, - I have just received the large box you sent me from West Cambridge; the contents of apples, doughnuts, sponge-cake, mice-pies, snaps, cough-candy, raisins, etc., and one quart currant wine (for the sick I suppose) were all in good order.  The boys praised mother highly for her skill in making doughnuts; they said they were the best that had been received yet; everything relished finely, and I thank you many times for this acceptable present.

      We celebrated Washington’s birthday yesterday by firing a salute of thirty-four guns, part of them from the thirty-two pounder that we captured at Bolivar;  also fired two shells from this gun; they were cut with ten-second fuse so as to burst in the air; they exploded over the Potomac.  We then formed a battalion and marched to the centre of the town for a drill; it was very muddy, but we had quite a number of double quick movements that started the sweat out freely; after this we went though with dress parade.  We have a very fine band, one of the best in the service.

     It is very uncertain when we shall move from this camp; you probably know as much about it as I do. When we do leave, it will probably be at short notice; but I shall leave my letter open for a day or two for some more news to write, as it is evident there is something in the wind.

Headquarters Co B 13th Regiment Mass
February 27th 1862

Dear Father
     I received your welcome letter this Am, and will try to answer it.

     I wrote you a short letter the other night, telling you that we should probably move but we did not and are here still. We shall move anyway within three days or so, and it will be for Martinsburg.

     They are fixing the bridge over the Canal and are gravelling the road down to the ferry boat.  We cannot draw any more rations, and we have got everything that we do not actually need, in our knapsacks thrown out, and packed away.  I have got an over shirt under shirt, one pair of drawers, and that small rubber blanket that you gave me, that I carry in my knapsack.

     My gray blanket, and a big rubber blanket is what I carry on the top of it.  My red one is packed away.  Towels tooth brush &c in my haversack with my rations. Around my waist I carry a knife, a revolver forty rounds of Cartridges, and a Cap box.  I also carry a canteen.

     The 22nd was observed here some, but the Marylanders did not seem to know what it meant.  The band came out and played several patriotic airs;  The weather cleared off here about four days ago, with a thunder shower, and it has been cold, and  windy ever since.  The roads are in a good condition to march.  Co D went over the other day scouting, but did not see any thing.

      I presume that we shall see fighting, soon, and I shall try to do my part.  We are taking lessons in the bayonet exercise, and can use our rifles very well.  I received my “True Flag” but it came a little late that was all.  I answered Mothers letter a few days ago, and presume that she has got it by this time. You speak to me about smoking. I do not indulge in that habit but a very little indeed, only when any one offers me a good cigar I like to smoke it.

     George Worcester sends his respect to you as also does Clark who I saw this Am.
I got an illustrated this Am, and expect the rest of them to day or tomorrow.  Write soon and direct as before and oblige your affectionate son 

     Chas E. Leland.

      I am on guard today it is windy cold, The Indiana 12th are here and have got orders to pack up, and be in readiness to march to night.
     Love to all.

      Write soon and oblige.

February 28th 1862

Sis Viola,
     I thought I would improve the few spare moments that we shall have before entering ‘Dixie’ by writing a few lines to you.  We have been under orders to march since Monday and expected that we should have been in Martinsburg if not Winchester before now.  Tuesday night we expected to march as much as could be, the Colonel hinted as much. But this afternoon Tom received orders to be ready to march tomorrow with two days’ rations.  Some of the teams are to follow on after us with three days more. All unnecessary baggage is to be left behind.  The Band are not to carry anything except blankets.  The soldiers are not to carry but a very little in their knapsacks.

     Some of Co B have just come in from monthly inspection and say that the colonel told them that they had got to march tomorrow certain and perhaps before morning. The weather is pleasant, cool, and very windy.  The wind has been blowing very strong since yesterday morning.

     The 12th Indiana Regiment is here and is to cross the river with us and it is reported that two companies of cavalry and one of artillery are to cross too, but I don’t know as it is true or not as I have not seen any of them.  The cavalry and artillery that have been here, were ordered away two or three weeks ago.

     Workmen have been repairing the road today down to the ferry boat, which is the only thing to cross with, and that will not carry only a company at one time.

     Wednesday evening the Band played at a concert in the Lutheran church for the benefit of the society. The 12th Indiana band was also there, and the glee club from our regiment.  Did not have a very full house.  The getters up expected there would be a great many soldiers present, and there probably would have been if they could have got passes but as they were under orders to march, none were given.

     Monday evening we played a few pieces at a lecture in the Methodist church. The lecture was a very fine one and was delivered by a gentleman from Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania.  The subject was ‘Shall the Union be Perpetual’.  It contained some very strong union sentiment but did not say anything at all of politics.

     Have not received a letter from you for two weeks. Don’t suppose you have much time to write. Received one from Mother last evening. My health continues good and hope yours does, but am afraid that you work much too hard from what you write. I weighed this morning 180 pounds.

     I send with this a photograph of Colonel Leonard.  Crosby had some full length of him but they were not as good as this which I think is a very good one.  After you have looked at it enough you can send it to Mother or keep it till you go home. The writing on the back is mine not the colonel’s.

   The weather now is just right for a forward movement.  It would be better if the wind did not blow so strong.

   The fight at Fort Donelson seems to have been pretty severe on both sides. I read this morning an extract of a letter in the Baltimore American written by a captain in one of the Illinois regiments to his father.  He wrote that out of his company only 8 could be accounted for and only 140 out of the whole regiment.  The rest were killed or wounded. This is the dark side of a brilliant victory.

      I don’t think of anything more to write this time.
                    Yours Truly,
                              Edwin Rice