Headquarters Stevens’ Div.
9th Army Corps, Steamer “Elm City,”
Aug. 5th, 1862.
My dear Mother:
Here we are at length at Acquia Creek. Our destination is Fredericksburg. Please direct your letters to that place in future. We are exchanging at every move disease for health. Our present position is one of the healthiest in Virginia, so, dear Mother, give yourself no alarm.
I received two letters from you previous to leaving Newport News, one written after Lilly’s marriage, which had travelled down to Hilton Head, and the other a letter containing an account of the kindly manner all speak of me at home. For the latter I am grateful indeed, though I feel a little puzzled at its extent. The first day I landed at Newport News, as I was riding toward our camping ground, a nice, handsome-looking young fellow stopped me, saying, “How are you, Will?” I stopped, examined his face, talked, and tried to discover who my friend was. After running through the probabilities, I said, “Why, this is Charley Breed!” “Yes,” said he, “you are a good deal changed, but I recognized you at once.” So we parted, promising soon to meet again. But duty intervened, and the other day I read that he was dead.
I received likewise a letter from Edward Stedman, via Hilton Head, with kind words of encouragement for me.
I have nothing more to write. Don’t mind.
Instead of “Speed the Plow,” “Speed the Bayonet,” and all will be right again. Vwe la guerre and down with the rebellion. If the South wishes to secede, they must wait until they ask it of the North, not with threats, but in fear and trembling.
Good-bye, dear mother,
Truly your affec.
Will,
Capt. & A. A. A. G.
which means that the Assistant Adjutant-General is sick and has gone home, and that I am acting in his place until his leave of absence expires.
