Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 12, ’64.
Dear Father, — . . . Lee seems to be playing a bold game. The rumors are that all his old army have gone up into Maryland, and that Beauregard’s men are left in our front. If true, I suppose we shall have another campaign in Maryland and Penn. One consolation is that our men fight much better there than they do here.
Please tell Hannah that I received the letter she sent by Colonel Bartlett this afternoon. It was forwarded by him. He apologized for not being able to deliver it in person.
Will you please collect any money that may be due me from my bond or railroad shares, and divide it between Hannah and Alice. They can use it to help pay for going to the sea-shore, or in any other way they see fit. Now that things are so high, I imagine that it will be acceptable to them. I enclose the orders for the money.
I received a letter from —— yesterday. I cannot like her. It seems to me that she likes to parade her sufferings to every one. I am sorry for her, although I must say that I dislike her as a woman extremely.
We move out to the front line to-night and remain there four days.
I went to General Meade’s headquarters last night, and saw all my friends there. I then went into General Meade’s tent with Captain Bache, and called on him. He remembered me, much to my astonishment, and we had quite a pleasant conversation for 15 minutes.
I saw George Barnard and Tom Sherwin yesterday. Both were well. . .
