1st Rhode Island Cavalry & 1st New Hampshire Cavalry - Captured at Mountville, VA

Item LTR-11487

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 page, written in period ink.


Thoroughfare Gap, Virginia
August 9^th 1863
 
My Dear Daughter Ella,
 
I received your kind letter last evening and as I was somewhat tired, I concluded that I would have more time to answer it tomorrow.  But before tomorrow came, we had marching order for to be ready to move at 5 this morning.  So we have marched from Warrenton 9 miles, arrived here about 10 a.m. and pitched our tents just in season for inspection at 5 p.m..  We have just returned from it.  We are on the west side of the Gap.  The two divisions of cavalry are here - 1^st Rhode Island, 2^nd New York, 4^th New York and 6^th Ohio, 2^nd Rhode Island Battery, 6^th New York Battery.  The 1^st and 3^rdDivision of Cavalry are across the Rappahannock.  The 6^th Corps is at and near Warrenton, 11^th at Catlett Station, 12^th at Sulphur Springs.  Part of our cavalry – or our division – are at Centreville.  I don’t expect that we shall be allowed to stay here very long.  Captain Wyman and some 8 others from our regiment are going home after conscripts.  Sergeant Eaton is one of the number.  They are ordered to Connecticut but probably will be home.  They all agree to start soon.  So, I am writing as fast as I can so that he can take it as far as he goes.  Then put it in the mail.  I did not know that he was a going but a few minutes ago.
 
My health is very comfortable.  We had some boiled corn for dinner and apple sauce, which made our hard tack relish quite well.  I had some cucumber for supper with our coffee.  I wish I had more time so I could write you more and something that would be more interesting.
 
The Nashua boys are all well.  Meaghen is at Centreville.  I heard from him yesterday.
 
It is quite warm here these days.  Our horses were as wet as though they had been in the water when we got here.  But we have not had quite as hard days’ work as we had one year ago today at the Cedar Mountain fight.
 
Edwin is with me – takes care of my horses and does our cooking.
 
I must come to a close now so to have it ready.  Give my love to all and to yourself.  Write me soon.
 
Your affectionate father,
 
J. F. Andrews