Howtz. Battery, Md. Heights, Oct. 18, 1863.
Dear Friends:
Yours rec’d. Today has been an exciting one to us, there has been a big engagement ten miles from here; we have driven the rebs nearly ten miles towards Berryville, have been at it all day, and now I can hear the roar of the artillery; we are making every thing to resist the rebels. We may have a chance to show the “Johnnies” what we are made of. At last accounts, Meade was slowly working this way, covering Washington during the march; should not be surprised to see the Army of the Potomac at any time. In the late movements of the Army of the Potomac considerable stratergy was used; so far, we have got the best of it. I have no doubt Lee contemplates making another raid into Md. and Penn. I think the movement the rebels are making here now is to destroy the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. We have got a new Genl. now, his name is Sullivan, formerly with Genl. Grant as inspector Genl.; marched in to Vicksburg July 4th; he is a fine looking man and a son in law of Genl Kelly, who commanded here before the evacuation. There has been a lull in the battle for some time; but now the ball has opened again in good earnest. But they are working from us fast. We saved Frank’s phiz during the other march and shall try to, if we have to march again. The men have all gone out to work on the battery. This will probably stop all furloughs, so shall not get mine.
Monday.
Nothing new. Some say it is the advance of Lee’s army, others that the guerillas, combined, are trying to call us out and let Lee in. Lev.
