Mr. Lincoln's War - - - printer-friendly version
Stafford Courthouse, V.A.
May 3rd-63
Dear Sister
I received a letter from David last evening & now sit down to write you
a few lines & send you his letter for I suppose you have not heard from
him very lately. This is as pleasing a Sabbath morning as every shone. The
robins & the whip-poor-wills are chirping and singing. It is too lovely
a Sabbath morn to witness such a terrible battle as is going on near Fredericksburg.
The firing commenced at daybreak this morning and has not ceased for a moment
since. I have not heard such firing since Bull Run [2nd Bull Run, Aug. 29
& 30, 1862]. It will cost many a poor fellow's life to take Fredericksburg,
but we hope to take it soon.
You told me in your last letter that you weighed 118 lbs. I suppose you will
be surprised when I tell you that I weight 162 1/2, but that is my weight.
I am very fleshy and tough as a buck. Merrill & I have put up a tent by
ourselves. We have got a very good tent. Our furniture is a table, a bed,
a cupboard, three plates, 3 knives & 3 forks, coffee pot & two quart
pails, a spider & a camp kettle. We have got a very nice camp now. We
have fine trees the whole length of the street. I must stop for it is almost
time for Inspection by the Commander of the post.
Sam Holbrook has been home on a furlow & has just got back. He had a box
sent & Mr. Norton put in a lot of cheese and dried apples for me.
The bugle has blown for inspection so, goodby.
Daniel