Annapolis, Md., April 20, ’64.
Dear Father, — I am afraid that you will not have a chance to see me before we start. We shall probably leave here before the end of the week. I think letters may be addressed Ninth Army Corps, via Washington. They will probably reach me, where a great many other of my letters have.
We draw shelter tents for our men to-morrow and turn in our A tents. The officers will likewise have to draw shelter tents. Everything points to an active and speedy campaign, and I imagine that a week from to-day, or perhaps two weeks, may see us in a fight. I feel pretty confident that the regiment will do well, and will be an honor to the state. I most certainly hope so.
I am very glad indeed that we have General Stevenson with us. He is to command our brigade and Major General Crittenden our division. General S. is temporarily commanding the division until General Crittenden’s arrival, which gives Colonel G[riswold] our brigade for a few days, and me the command of this regiment.
We leave on Saturday morning at 4 o’clock.
