Maryland Heights, Dec, 1862.
Dear Friends:
Have not rec’d your letter yet. We arrived here after an all night’s ride in the cars and then had to tramp this mountain. We are 1100 ft. above the river and it is cold all the time. We have to go a mile and ¾ to get up here and it is a steep and rocky path. We have 7 guns, 5 Boat Howitzers and 12 Pdr Field guns. There are two beautiful valleys, one on each side of us, named Pleasant Valley and Valley of the Potomac. The Shenandoah river comes in here. We have a fine view of Harper’s Ferry, but it is mostly deserted except by sutlers. The Rebs show themselves once in a while; they are guerillas of the Hampton’s League.
We are alone here on the mountain, the other Co’s are further down. We have a great job to get water; have to go a mile down and then three can get only enough for coffee. Start half rations twice a day. It is rather tough; but what is the use of being a soldier if you are n’t one. There are a lot of Rebs buried outside the battery, killed in the fight. We are both well. Wish I could have those things in G’s box. Love to all.
Lev.
