_Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.,
December 4, 1862._
We traveled 175 miles from the Valley to this place in twelve days, and
are now encamped upon precisely the same spot we were occupying when
we left this region last spring. Our march was the least disagreeable
of any I have experienced, because the weather was very cold and we
traveled during the day only. We were well fed also, compared with our
other marches. We had rain but once and snow twice. Many of the men
were barefooted and the march was terrible for them. Billie, Ed and I
stood it first-rate and none of us lagged behind once. By a mere chance
we got our clothing at Orange Court House. We feel very grateful to
you and the others for your trouble and expense for us. My suit fits as
well as I could wish, and everyone admires it. Wilson had his knapsack
stolen the first night after we got the clothes. He is very careless,
and so is Billie. Unless one is extremely careful everything he has
will be stolen from him in camp. Half of the men in the army seem to
have become thieves.
We have an enormous force concentrated here now. Nearly all the men are
well clothed, but some few are not. We still have a few barefooted men
because their feet are too large for the Government shoes. The health
of the troops continues fine. Last summer never less than two hundred
men reported sick every morning in our regiment, and now there are
never more than twelve or fifteen cases.
I doubt our having any more fighting this winter, as such weather as
this puts a stop to all military operations. The enemy cannot advance
on us nor can we advance on them. I think we surely will go into winter
quarters soon, for it is folly for us to be lying out as we are. We
have good health, it is true, but it is extremely unpleasant.
I may have an opportunity to send you some more money soon, and you
may spend it if you wish, for it may be worthless when the war is over.
George will be one year old on the seventh.