Headquarters 1st Army Corps, June 10, 1863.
Dear Mother, — . . . We are still in our old camp near White Oak Church, and although we are under orders to move at any minute, I begin to think that we may be here some weeks yet. We may relieve the Sixth Corps, which has a division across the river at Franklin’s old crossing, but that is the only move we shall make, in my opinion. This crossing the river was made solely to keep the enemy here, and prevent them from going out West or to any other point to reinforce their troops. Of course it may lead to a battle, should they attack us. . . .
My mind is made up to see this war through, if it don’t see me killed beforehand. We have got to whip and partially exterminate the South, although it may take some years to do so. I have got my dander up, and am mad with the rascals. I even think seriously of going back to my regiment and serving there, so as to be well posted in tactics, and fitted to take a higher position. I feel in much better spirits than when at home. I still think that the Government have treated General Porter shamefully, but live on in the hope of seeing him righted some day. We all feel here that we can whip the rebels if we only have a man who can command us properly. This Army of the Potomac is truly a wonderful army. They have something of the English bull-dog in them. You can whip them time and again, but the next fight they go into, they are in good spirits, and as full of pluck as ever. They are used to being whipped, and no longer mind it. Some day or other we shall have our turn. At present we are doing a great deal of good in holding Lee in check and preventing him from reinforcing Pemberton. . . .
Will you please get me some ginger and send it on. I tried to buy some in Washington, but could not get any. I want some sugared and dry and not preserved in liquid. It is very nice on a march, and is convenient to carry. . . .
Yesterday our cavalry had a real hand-to-hand fight with the rebels near Kelly’s Ford. Our men behaved splendidly, and drove the rebels 5 miles. We captured all Stuart’s private papers, and found that he was to have started this morning, with 25 guns and 12,000 cavalry, to make his raid into Pennsylvania.
Tell Henry that Jackson is dead, and that I send him a kiss and will let him ride my horse when I get home. . . .
