Headquarters 5th Prov. Army Corps,
Camp ½ mile from New Bridge [about June 1, 1862]
Dear Father, — We moved this morning from Cold Harbor to this point, from a half to a quarter of a mile from New Bridge. The distance was short, being only two miles. To-morrow, if what I can gather be correct, we shall advance upon Richmond, and then I think we shall have one of the bloodiest battles of the war. We shall probably have a tough time of it, as the rebels are massing their troops right in front of us, they knowing that Porter’s corps is here, and being in dread of it, I hope with good reason. I know that all our generals expect a severe fight, and that General Porter said we should have a bloody battle. I should not write you all this if I did not think that the result of the battle would be known before this reaches you. I have great confidence in General Porter and McClellan, and have no doubt but that we shall soon be in Richmond.
We hear rumors to-day that Banks has been defeated. I am afraid that is true, but hope not.[1] . . .
I started for camp the day after you left, and found that I had rather overestimated my strength, for the next day I was very weak, and feared a relapse. I luckily got over it safely, and am now as well as ever. We are encamped in a field next to Dr. Gaines’s house, which General Smith occupied as his headquarters. It is a beautiful place with some splendid oaks in front of the house which it would do you good to see. They are perfect in shape, and with their new and fresh foliage on, look really splendid. There is an air of neatness about the place which resembles New England more than any place I have seen. Guinea fowl abound, and James wants me to send you a pair. I had a plate of strawberries this morning which tasted very pleasantly. They were a present to General Porter.
The chief annoyances of our camp life here arc had water and insects. General Butterfield had nine ticks on him the other day. Decidedly disagreeable. The water troubles me more than anything. I don’t like tea or coffee, and I do like to drink water.
There are rumors, and merely rumors, that General Porter will be made governor of Richmond in case of our taking it. Counting one’s chickens, etc. Some even go so far as to say that he will be governor of Virginia. This of course would not be, as some politician would have that place. Please don’t mention these rumors, as I think they all take their rise from the staff, who would like some such arrangement.
In case of a fight you need not expect to hear from me for some four days, as I can’t get at the telegraph, and letters take a long while to go now. . . .
[1] He had been defeated by Jackson at Front Royal, on May 26.
