Headquarters 5th Army Corps, Camp near Falmouth, Aug. 23.
Dearest Family, Father, Mother, Sisters, Brothers, Etc. —
We arrived here from Fortress Monroe day before yesterday, and our whole command has gone to Barrett’s Ford some ten miles from here up the Rappahannock. We follow this afternoon or evening.
We are encamped on Major Lynch’s grounds right opposite Fredericksburg. The house is a splendid brick mansion beautifully situated on the banks of the Rappahannock. Terraces slope down to the river, and beautiful trees keep off the burning rays of the sun. The proprietor, of course, is in the Secesh army, and has left his place deserted. Our troops are encamped all over his grounds, and Major General Burnside and Major General Porter have pitched their tents close to the house. I was introduced to General Burnside yesterday, and found him very pleasant.
We have a very pretty view of Fredericksburg from here. It seems to be the picture of peace and quietness, and is a very pretty little town.
I was sent by General Porter down to Fortress Monroe, and was to meet him there, but by some mistake missed him, and was obliged to follow after him in another steamer. I came from Aquia Creek here by railroad,— a distance of 13 miles. . . .
Heavy firing was heard from Pope yesterday and this morning. We have not heard the result as yet.’[1] . .
[1] The fighting was practically continuous along the line of the Rappahannock during the last half of August.
