Dear Folks at Home,

I was this afternoon the happy recipient of your very welcome and interesting letter of May 31st. I am happy you are all well as the letter stated. I am sorry however that father has so much headache. I suppose the main reason of that is his having to confine himself so closely to the ______ of the shop. I hope that when school closes Julie will be man enough to relieve father from some of the easier work. It won't take him long to learn how to do the mending of jewelry and repairing clocks. I heard from Thedei a short time ago; I am very glad that he gets along so finely. I must say, that I always had an idea that he would get along pretty well, in almost any business he saw fit to engage in.

I suppose on looking at the heading of this letter you will wonder what I am doing and where I am. I have been filling the place of commissary clerk for the Brigade for better than a week: the office is in town. The way I came to get into it is as follows: on the return of the Regiment our Regimental Quartermaster was appointed to the office of Brigade Quartermaster & Commissary Sergeant - as he could not get citizen clerks immediately he got me to go and fill the position for the time being, with the privilege of staying in the Department as Issuing Sergeant if I liked it. I was on a brown study for several days what I should do. If I take that position I will have to lose my place in the Regt. as Com. Sergt. and be thrown back into the Company. Now you see what made me study was that supposing the Brigade is destroyed, I'd have to go into the ranks as a private; while on the other hand I'd get a very nice position as long as it would last, which is very uncertain these war times. I have finally concluded that "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush;" if the one in the bush is even a little fatter? What do you think of my decision? I have been coming up to camp to sleep & get my meals.

Yesterday we moved the Brigade office from the Rail-roads up into town - we at present occupy the town Market house - it is a large stone building - our office room is very nicely furnished as it was used as an Odd Fellows hall, it is in the second story; the lower being used as a store room. There are all kinds of rumors afloat in regards to the movement of the troops at this place; every day (almost) something different. Yesterday there was a telegram sent by [Brigadier] Gen. [B.F.] Kelly [commander of the Second Division, Eighth Army Corps] to Col. [B. F.] Smith to hold this entire Brigade in readiness to move at a moments notice as the Rebels were reported 20 miles below Winchester 20,000 strong. There have been a good many barns burned down within the week; one night three very large ones burned down. There has been a good deal of surmise as to the cause of the property & who it was that fired all these buildings. Our pickets have been fired on several times. D. H. Cornell who was formerly clerk for Mr. Snyder of Ragersville [Ohio, a small town about ten miles south west of Dover] was in command of one of the posts that was fired on. He said that the Rebels would fire on them as soon as they attempted to make a fire. They scouted the thickets several times but the night was so dark that they could not find any of the Bush Whackers. As far as I can learn there was no particular damage done on either side. It seems to be a general opinion here that a very strong raid will be made up this valley.

I have been kept very busy since I have been in town & am consequently pretty tired so you will have to excuse me from writing you very long letters. Before closing I will answer a few questions Addei, Julie, &c. have asked: Addie; you need not fear in regards to your letter as it was destroyed sometime ago. I destroy most all my letters as soon as they are answered. I must say you are getting along bravely in filling Thedei's place in answering letters. I hope you will continue to improve. I am very glad you have been enabled to gratify your long hoped for desire of having a house of your own. While I happen to think of it, I'll send Dr. B[rashear]'s photograph back as I understand it was sent for me to look at and return. I did not know it at first. The manner in which I spend my Sundays differs very much. Sometimes I have more to do on that day than during the week. Other times I am at leisure. On such days I generally go to church in the morning & write & Read in the afternoon. I have a very good bed (for the Army) but I sleep sound & as long as ever in the mornings. We're living fat now as one of the boys had a large box sent to him. We go in on ham & eggs, butter, cheese, Pies, cakes, Potatoes, Dried apples, Beans, Rice, Hominy, Beef, Pork, Molasses & Bread pretty strong. For a long time we could not get any butter but what was very strong - tasted of garlic [sic] as that grows very rank in this country.

But its getting late & I must close. I'm quite well & hoping you all are enjoying the same blessing.

I remain your Son & Brother,
Rufus

Write soon.
My best wishes to all who may inquire after me.
Direct as before.

My dear Folks at Home,

I was the happy recipient of a very interesting letter from you this morning. It was mailed on June 29th & I just got it, it is the first letter I have had since we left Maryland Heights [Harper's Ferry, West Virginia]. Since I last wrote I have had very lively & exciting times. On the night of June 29, we received orders to tear up & destroy all that we could not take along as the Heights were to be evacuated. When the order came it was very dark & late. To add to this we were without a quartermaster he having gone to see about some things that had been sent to Harrisburg from Martinsburg. So you see I was so to speak alone. In a few minutes teams were going in every direction loaded with commissary & Q. M. store of all kinds; after a long fuss we finally got four from our Regiment & by about noon on the 30 of June had all our most valuable stuff on the canal boats at the foot of the Heights. On the evening of the same day, what store that could not be taken along were destroyed. It was awful to see the destruction of Ammunition, Commissary supplies &c. There was a very bad accident on the top of the Heights caused by the explosion of several boxes of percussion shells through the carelessness of one man (who struck the box with an ax in order to open it). Seven men were killed instantly & one died the next day from his wounds, besides some fifteen or twenty being badly wounded & burned. The greater proportion of the artillery was saved with the exception of the large guns which were spiked - filled with sand & water & plugged shut. We got off of the heights about 9 P.M. of the 30th our Brigade being the last. About two-thirds of the forces that were on the Heights went direct to Frederick City [Maryland], while our & Gen. [Washington L.] Elliot's Brigade [First Brigade, Second Division, Eighth Army Corps] went with the "gun boats" (canal boats) to Washington City. The trip was considered very dangerous & we were kept on the lookout all the time. I rode all that night.

Sunday
[Note: Rufus's handwriting in the remainder of this letter appears hurried and anxious, a marked departure from all previous letters, which had been written very neatly and carefully]

I have not been able to finish this yet, & now I must just say that we are in the Grand Army of the Potomac & expecting a fight every day. [On July 9, 1863, the Regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps, commanded by General French.] In fact, fighting is going on all the time in the front. You must "please" write to me soon as I do not expect to get them all - send a stamp or two in each as I cannot get any at all. Direct to Co. Sergt. 126th Regt. O.V.I. 3rd Brig., 3rd Div., 3rd Army Corps (to follow the Regt.) I am as well as could be expected being out all the time; I have not had a dry stitch on for about 2 weeks. I am finishing this letter in a wagon on the road from Frederick to the front of the Army. I will write as often as I can.

I am
Your Son & Brother, Rufus

Direct to:
Com Sergt. 126th Regt. O.V.I.
3rd Brig. 3rd Div 3rd A.C.
Harpers Ferry
(To follow the Regt.)

Dear Folks at Home,

I will now have a few minutes to write you a few lines informing you of my well being. I have had a good deal of tramping to do since last I wrote you; have traveled a good many miles through a very rough country. I am happy to say however that I stand the hardship of a very active campaign very much better than I had any idea I could. My last letter I believe was mailed at Boonsboro Md. From then we went to Sharpsburg stopping however on the roads & letting Gen. Lee & his army get away, when I think that he was more than half whipped already. It was quite a disappointment to the troops; it looks as if "somebody" did not care about having this war finished very soon. From Sharpsburg we got back to Sandy Hook, when we were rejoined by some of the boys who had gone with the wagon train from the Martinsburg fight. Crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry, marched down through Lowdown County on the East side of the mountains. from there to Snickersville, Belmont Mannassas Gap; back to Belmont, Salem & now stopped here to rest - how long no body knows.

At Manassas Gap we had a small fight [now known as the battle of Wapping Heights], but had confident expected & general battle & would have had one if the Rebels had stood their ground. Our Corps (the 3rd) was in the advance - they were fired upon by artillery about 1 o'clock P.M. on the 25th & infantry after a little skirmishing the Excelsior Brigade (Sickles) charged & drove the Rebs. They were the rear guard of the Rebels who had intended to come up through the gap. I saw seven of our men that were killed in the charge. I have since heard that we lost about 25 killed, 50 to 75 wounded, Rebels about the same number killed, from 75 to ___ wounded and 30 odd prisoners.

I must close as Capt. O. W. France has to start _____ _____ take this ___ far towards home as possible.

Write me often.

From your Son & Brother,

Rufus

Dear Folks at Home,

I have just been the happy recipient of a half dozen letters & among the number were two from my dear home stating you were all enjoying reasonable health. I was very glad indeed to learn that our dear Auntie was once more among you. I should be very glad to see her & you all but that cannot be yet awhile. I hope she & you may enjoy her stay among you. I thank you for the stamps you have several times sent to me & am very much obliged for the pen you sent to me. I suppose you will perceive I am making use of it now & that it suits me in every respect. I shall try & let you hear from me oftener while we are situated as at present.

I suppose you were surprised that the 126th was at this place. -as I told my dear brother Thede to mention it in his letter.

We left our old camp near "Bealton Station Va" on Sunday morning of August 16th. Had no idea then of our destination, but the general opinion was that we would go to "Charleston" or "Mobile". We marched to the railroads - about 5 miles - when we took the cars from Alexandria; as I was on the last train did not get to "A" until about 11AM. We then had to unload our stuff & _______ with it all night, as the Regiment was encamped on the other side of town, we accordingly made our "soldiers bed" & were soon fast asleep.

Next morning after a good wash & some breakfast - no orders having come in as regards to moving our stuff - the Q. M. Sergeant and myself went down to town to see the city. The principal thing that interested me was the stockades around the land side of the place, the shipping, public & private buildings some of which were quite pretty. The stockades were about ten feet high, made of sound sticks of timber with holes made in them to be used for artillery and infantry. The shipping was very interesting as it is the first I had ever seen of any extent. In the afternoon we moved to the regiment.

On the morning of the 19th I got orders to draw 5 days rations & the evening of the same day the troops were ordered to the river & get ready for a voyage. When we got on board the boat "the Merrimac" - we learned first that we were bound for New York. Weighed anchor at daylight of the 20th; had a very fine ship, being almost new, with steam power & sail rigging. The Potomac was very quiet, & the day clear & pleasant. Had quite a nice view of Mount Vernon & the fortifications along the river. I slept on the deck of the boat; in fact the craft was crowded - we had 1600 men on - I saw John Pritchard he is in the 27th Indiana - one of the Regt's that came with us. We were on the broad Atlantic when I awoke next morning; the ship rolling a great deal. I as with the majority got pretty seasick; vomited twice. The sea was not very rough, passed a good many vessels. A ship at sea is truly a splendid sight. I saw all kinds on the go; but I think a full rigged sail is by far the most majestic. We saw land in the morning on the 22nd. Vessels became more numerous as we ______ the Empire City. When we came into the channel it was broad daylight & we had a beautiful view of the coast on both sides. It was a sight I shall never forget, my entrance into N. Y. by way of the Atlantic Ocean. The forts & beautiful residences on the banks were a little ahead of _____ roads mansions. We anchored in ____ River where we stayed until the Capt went ashore and found out when we were to land. When he came back we moved [sic] up to the wharves at the foot of Spring Street. The troops disembarked, but as usual there was no transportation for the luggage. So as Q.M.S. slept on boards the boat: the Capt. [Oliver W. France] asked us to take tea with him, had a very good supper. I, Q.M. Sergt., & Jim Moffit went up street next morning, passed the St. Nicholas - went down Broadway as far as the City Park & Trinity-Church: but I must close for this time. as I have to go up ___ on business. I saw Thede on Monday morning - the poor boy was quite affected at seeing me. He threw his arms around me & cried "a little". I don't know if it was just the surprise, or if he thought I looked so dirty & rough.

This is hastily written & you will please excuse. My best wishes to all who may inquire & love to you all. Write often. I remain

Your Son & Brother
Rufus

Dear Folks at Home,

Although I wrote you yesterday I concluded that as I had a few spare moments this morning I might as well employ them in writing home & continuing my story; so you see there is no cause for alarm at receiving this so soon after my last. You know I asked you to write as often as possible without waiting for answers & at the same time promised to do so myself.

I believe I stopped yesterday on my walk down Broadway the Sunday after we landed here. You can imagine how I gaped at the splendid edifices &c that I saw. Well we, the Q. M. Sergt., Jim Moffit & self - after getting a drink at the city park started for Trinity Church got a glimpse at the interior as the door was open it is truly a splendid sanctum both externally & internally; was a good deal disappointed as to its situation as I had an idea it was much further up town; Wall Street was not what I thought it would be, it is so short, a person would hardly think it was the moneyed spot on the continent: after resting awhile we started for the boat. Met a gentleman - whom I afterwards learned was a Mr. Robins manufacturer of Envelopes on Ann Street - with whom I struck up quite a talk, he was very clever indeed, asked if I had any friends in the city I wanted to see, at the same time offering to do anything for me he could - I told him of Thede - he said he knew the establishment & and would call down on Monday & go up with me to see him. About 1 o'clock our transportation came & we packed our fixings & sent them down to the Battery [the 126th was camped at Battery Park] - where I now am with the Regiment - the Commissary store was turned over at the city Park so I had to make another trip out there. I came down Washington St. & a _____ _____ I think I never saw; the reason I came down that street was I was alone & had no more idea than nothing where the Battery was except that it was at the extreme point down the River, so when I got to W. St. I saw the cans marked battery so I followed & found the Regiment. In the evening Mr. John Hammond came down & saw us, he was very clever and promised to see Thedi & tell him. I was down Monday morning Thedi and Mr. Bonham came down: Thedi was quite excited no doubt he was glad to see us, as I was very glad to see him. Since then he has been down every day once & sometimes twice. On Monday he did not go to his dinner but came down and passed his hour with us. About 11 o'clock Monday my friend "Robins" came as he had promised & when he learned I had seen 'Thedi', said if I could leave he would show me part of the City. We went up Broadway saw the "Corn Exchange" the interior of the "Astor-House", "City-Hall", went through the "Tribune Office" - saw the mammoth presses in operation, then to Thedei's business office where I for the first time saw 'Uncle Albert'. I should never have taken him for a relative. I think Thede has a very nice situation. He appears to both like it, & to be well liked by the men of his firm - from there we went to Mr Robins Establishment; it was very interesting indeed...saw the machine that folds, pastes and counts the envelopes; from there went to some clothing establishments as I wanted to get something; which I got at about __ less than I would have paid in Virginia. One thing that made me get them now was that Thede thought I looked so rough that he brought me one of his shirts. I had to borrow money to pay for them so I wish you would send $15-$20 to Thede for me, & if we should happen to go away before it gets here, he can keep it.

I have not as yet had an opportunity of calling at "although boarding house" although I have had several very pressing invitations. I go up street almost every day generally however on business for the Regiment. "Thede", "I'm well." The mail goes now & I must close.

Good Bye

Rufus

Dear Folks at Home,

I suppose Thede has written to you that I left New York on Sunday Sept. 6th quite unexpectedly to me as well as to him. We got the order on Saturday about noon & it was then said we were to leave at 3 o'clock. I was very much afraid that I would not get to see him before I left.

According to previous arrangement, he was to come down to the "battery" at 3 P.M. & we were to go up to some "photographic gallery" & get our pictures taken. He came down at the time & was very much surprised when he saw us tearing down tents instead of ready to go up street with him. I saw "Frank Reichart, Mr. Newbold, Stuart Bates before I left. We got our stuff up to the boats by about 7 P.M. on Saturday, but as things were not ready on the boat, we did not get on board until the next day. Thede was down until we sailed. I only passed two evenings with him at his boarding place. The order to leave took us all very much by surprise as we expected to stay a week or two longer.

We sailed on, rather steamed, to Alexandria on the "Empire City" - a very good and fast boat. The trip this time was very much more pleasant, as the boat was not so much crowded & the boys did not get sea sick.

We got here [Alexandria] and anchored about 4 P.M. on Tuesday. Did not get off the boat until mostly dark & consequently could not get off our baggage until nearly 10 o'clock that night. I got up to the camp about 12. Slept a while but not very good as I was very tired.

Our stay here is very uncertain; I think we will go back to the Army of the Potomac & the same camps & division we were in before. But I must close this hasty note. I thought I would just write a few words to let you know of my whereabouts & that I am well.

Hoping you will excuse the scribble & write soon.

I remain your son & brother

Rufus

I suppose the best way for you to direct is to
Com. Sergt. 126th Regt. O.V.I.
Washington
D.C.
Follow the Regt.

Dear Folks at Home,

I have not written to you for some time, and as I have a few spare moments this evening I thought I would occupy the time in sending you a very few lines so that you may know that I am well as usual.

Since I last wrote at Alexandria I have seen a good deal of country & a good many sights both interesting & horrible. We marched from Alexandria to our old camp near Bealton Station in about three days. We passed through Fairfax C. H. over the Bull Run Battle grounds when I saw some awful sights; for example human skulls,- one of which one of the boys got a bullet out of - graves with parts of bodies sticking out of them, lots of shell & Ball &c &c.

We stopped the third night at Warrenton. We got to our old camp about noon last Monday a week ago, stopped on the old grounds until the next day when we had marching orders again. It came pretty hard on our boys, as the boys had got very little rest from their previous march.

We got started about sundown. I staid with the wagon train which pulled out to the road & halted until about 3 the next morning. When we started we marched out some 2 miles when we were joined with the balance of the "Corps" trains. We were on the go about six hours when we found we were about 2 miles from where we started. The roads were awful - a great many were broken down, upset, &c. - things that were thrown out had to be left as no wagons could be had. Luckily we had no such misfortunes with ours. We crossed the Ninth [?] Fork on a pontoon that day - we then marched along one side of the -- R. R. [probably the Orange and Alexandria rail road] while the "6th Corps" was on the other side. Did not get up to the Regt. that night. Started early the next day; got within sight of Culpepper about noon, where we found the Regiment which was then detailed to guard the 3rd Division Ammunition Train. I started to issue just as the A. train started to move so I fell in with them & marched until about 12 (midnight) when the train halted. We then learned that the train & Regiment had been divided so I could only issue to five of the companies, which I did that night. Next day started to hunt up the balance of the boys which I did. Marching orders, so that I have to issue five days rations immediately. Hoping soon to hear from you all.

I remain,
Your Son & Brother
Rufus.

Direct to:
Comm. Sergt. 126th Regt. O.V.I.
3rd. Brig., 3rd Div., 3rd A C.
Army of the Potomac

My dear Sister,

I shall now occupy a few leisure moments in writing a few lines to you as well as the rest of the family.

I wrote home a few days ago & if I remember closed with the remark that we had just received marching orders; the amount of that was simply to get ready so we could move at a moments notice: you will see that we are at the same place yet.

The probabilities however are that we will not stay here long & I am sorry to say that the prevailing opinion is that we will fall back. Last night I understood that a reconnoitering force was repulsed & lost two pieces of Artillery about 17 miles from here when they found the Rebels in force & strongly entrenched. The report tonight is that [General] Meade has been to Washington & was ordered by Halleck to advance and attack Lee. If such should be the case you may soon hear of a bloody battle & I am afraid - if reports are true - another defeat of the Army.

There is great excitement in regard to the Great Battle now going on in the southwest [Rufus is no doubt referring the the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia, fought on September 19 & 20, 1863.]. I only hope [General] Rosecrans will be able to hold his own until he is reinforced. I wish we were in that part of the country. So much for the military.

The weather is quite changeable here; nights generally quite cold, in fact - as we have no tents, not being allowed one in the fields - cold enough to be disagreeable.

The Regiment is encamped about a mile from us so I have quite a pleasant ride every day when I go to issue which I generally do from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. News has just come in, that a mail had arrived so I stopped my writing and sent up to the Regt. for my pile & when it came to hand I received nine letters & two papers. Three came from home, on reading, the first I was almost afraid to open, the second for fear the news would be unfavorable in regard to Father's health. But was agreeably surprised to learn that he was some what better & hope by the time this reaches you, you may all be in good health. I suppose Auntie's stay with you will not last long any more? I should like to have seen you all & her, while together but that could not be. There's a time coming when I hope to see you all - how soon is hard to tell - perhaps not before my time of enlistment expires. Is Capt. France getting any recruits? Some of the men that left for the same purpose he did returned to the Regt. last night. Arthur [VanVleck] is getting along as well as usual; he sends his best wishes to you all & grandmother tell her, he is well. I have not heard from Thedei since I left N. Y. I think he gets down hearted & homesick sometimes & you "Addie" must be very careful not to write in a melancholy mood to him. We - this is the Q. M. Dept. have had our first taste of that interesting little " animal" the "Army body lice"; I do not think there is a man in the field but what has them - it is impossible to keep them off. We make a general search once a day & have a pitched battle, scarcely leaving one to tell the story.

That's a very interesting subject no doubt, but as I suppose my history is what you most want to know and as that is a large item it had to be put down.

The day is quite cool with a very high wind. The appearances for a retrograde movement still continue.

I must close hoping to hear from you often.

I remain
Your Brother
Rufus

Send me a few Stamps
say 2 or 3 at a time.

Dear Folks at Home & Cousin,

I shall on this Sunday evening try and write you a few lines. They will have to be few as it is pretty cold and the fire is some distance from our shelter.

I have received both your letters and also the one from Addie & Cousin Lottie. It was a great gratification to learn that you were all well & were enjoying Lottie's visit. I hope it may be pleasant to you & her.

I do not know how long it has been since I wrote you, but suppose you got the letter I wrote in regards to the improvement of my health. I am happy to say that it still continues.

Since I wrote: we have made several moves; but for a wonder they gave us daylight in most of them. If I am not mistaken I last wrote from Fairfax Station. I will at least commence my story then. I had to go about twelve miles too & from the Regt. almost every night - while we were at F. S. - I issue rations to the boys, over most awful roads. Sticking fast & upsetting were very common occurrences. In fact I have got so used to a wagon unloading itself in the mud, that I think nothing of it.

We (the trains) went from Fairfax Station to the Manassas Grounds passing under the line of fortification at Centerville & crossing the Bull Run River just above the celebrated Stone Bridge where the "Black Horse Cavalry" made the charge at the first Bull Run fight. Camped for the night among the old fortifications; were routed out of our "holes" before daylight to make a grand move of about ½ mile. "Military Strategy". About noon that day our Brigade Sergeants got the usual order to issue rations. No one knew where the troops were further than that they were somewhere down the Rail-Road. "Rumor said 12 miles": that was encouraging? Well, off we started mounted on our "War Horses"; crossed the R. R. at Manassas Junction: went down as far as Bristoe Station, where we recrossed & went over the battle grounds: found it pretty well strewn with dead horses, cannon bale, and a good many fresh graves. We noticed however that the horses were all marked C. S. & by far the most graves were near these horses. This is the place that I wrote about where I saw the fight. Here we learned; from the hands that were repairing the R. R. - which by the way is most completely destroyed & scarcely a tie being left in its place, bridges, and culverts all burnt, and the iron all bent in all manner of ways - that the troops had gone toward Greenwich; which place we reached about dark: found the troops about two miles from the town: got the beef issued about 12 P. M. - broiled some on a stick over a huge rail fire, for supper and laid down, until about daylight when we started back: when we got to Manassas Junction, learned that the wagons had moved, but could not find out in what direction they went: we hardly knew what to do - luckily a man came along with some fresh oysters of which we bought several cans - paying $2-per can - and made a tolerable dinner without salt or bread on them - you can imagine that we were all pretty hungry having only had a little beef & coffee for supper & no breakfast.

We then struck across the country for Gainesville where we found the rear of the Third Corps train just moving out. We got back to Greenwich about dark but did not halt until about 10 P.M. at what used to be Catlett's Station. Found our Brigade on the other side of the R.R. about a mile & one half from where we stopped. For several days I had it quite easy issuing as I could do it in the day time.

Our Regt. went as guard to a wagon train which was going to Bristoe Station after supplies which saved me the trouble of making a night issue. The day after they got back they were sent to the front. Lieut. Lamb, our Q.M., was detailed to assist in building the R.R. - he was on this duty for about a week. The Second day after the Regt. left, the old order of "issue Beef" was heard. We started down the R.R. & got near enough to see the smoke & hear the reports of the Artillery (where our boys were) about 5 P.M. - by the time we got down the fighting had stopped [The Battle of Bristoe Station took place on October 14, 1863]. Some of our boys were hurt, as it was believed the Rebels did not know exactly where they were. Col. Smith rode out in the open spaces between our boys & the Rebels; when the Rebs saw them they directed their cannon towards him & threw one shell so close that it made some of the staff duck their heads; the Col. turned round & laughing said they need not "bob that way; if the Rebs could not shoot better than that, they had better go home." As my good luck would have it our Regt. started on Picket about the time I got there, & the balance of the Brigade scattered. I went to the Lt. Col. who said I could not issue. Told Col. Smith who ordered his head quarters-team [of horses]- told me to take that & give the boys their beef. I did so going around with the Lt. Col. & got it all issued about 11 P.M.

I do not think there are many Brig. Gen's, or Acting Brig. Gens. who would have had their head-quarter baggage thrown in the mud & wagon bloodied up to give the troops their beef?

When we got back as far as Warrenton Junction, the whole crowd even halted & guarded to the Headquarters of the 2nd Div. 3rd Corps as orders had been to let no one in or out of the lines. When we got to HQ. Quo. we were of course let go: but the fun was that it was awful cold & had to go very slow, as we - about a dozen men - were guarded by two foot troops. Next day went out & issued again but had daylight to do it in.

I suppose you have Read of a Brigade of the 3rd Corps and a battery holding 2 divisions of the Rebels in check at Bealton Station [on October 24, 1863]? Well, that was our Brigade. Day before yesterday we came down to this place; I do not know how much further down we will go but we are now waiting until the R.R. is completed up to this place which will probably be in a day or two.

But I must close as my fingers are getting cold. I am very glad you are all so faithful in writing so often & hope you will continue to do so as often as you can. Tell Lottie she will please also consider this as an answer to her kind letter as I do not get much time to write. If you can I wish you would please send me a couple pairs of woolen stockings, and an under shirt pretty long in the tail. The government shirts are so very short. I had a letter from Thedei night before last. With much love to you one & all & all who may inquire after me. I hope you still consider me as your loving Son, Brother & Cousin

Rufus

Send me a few stamps. Please. It is supposed that Arthur is captured as he has not been with the Regt. for some time. [Note: Private Arthur L. VanVleck was captured October 14, 1863, at Bristoe Station, Virginia. He died December 20, 1863, in Rebel Prison at Richmond, Va.] I have understood that Dave N[ewbold] expects to be discharged, he is still in Washington [Note: Private David W. Newbold transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps on January 15, 1864].

Rufus

Dear Folks at Home,

I was yesterday evening the recipient of your last very interesting and lengthy letter. It was a great pleasure to me to have so many of you write. I was pleased to learn that you were all enjoying a reasonable share of good health: as for me I am still quite well & I believe such is the case with all of the boys from Dover.

On the morning of the 7th we received orders to march, no one knew where or when; but presently we beheld the long line of troops coming down on our right; which when they got close enough to us we found was the 1st Army Corps. They had not more than half passed - the 1st A. C. now has _____ men in it they have had their Regts. filled up by Conscripts. - when a cloud of dust was seen rising on our left; this proved to be the 2nd. Corps. It was a fine sight indeed and would have been much more interesting if it had not have been for the winds; which got very high. We soon after learned that the 3rd A. C. [including the "boys" in the 126th OVI] had left early in the morning and was in the advance on the left wing of the Army, and would cross the river at Kelly's Ford; while the 2nd & 5th marched down on the line of the R . R. As I suppose you know how well we succeeded I need not repeat.

We left camp - the Wagon Train of the 3rd A. C. - about 10 A.M. - had a most awful dusty time of it; as the other corps trains were moving along on both sides of us. After we had gone about a mile we left the R. R. on our right & went in the direction of Morrisville - which place we reached about dark. Here we found all the Hd. Qr.. wagons as Gen Meade had ordered them not to cross until he considered it safe. We stopped here for the night. After a good sleep; we were on the march at 7 next morning, before starting however we had learned that the cannonading we had heard the day before was at the Ford [known as the Battle at Kelly's Ford, November 7, 1863] & that we had driven the Rebels handsomely - went back on the same road we came about 3 miles & then went directly to the fords. Some of our guns were still on the heights commanding the River; & a most grand position it was - on a bluff close by I saw some of the wounded Federal and Rebel. We stopped on the bottom between Elk run and the Rappahannock. Next morning got orders to issue Beef; accordingly we started to hunt up the boys, after a tramp of about 8 miles found them near this place [Brandy Station]. Issued the Beef & got back to the camp (Wagon) about dark, found everything ready to move, horses & mules hitched to the wagons, tents torn down, &c. Laid around on the ground till about midnight when we got orders to unhitch. "Military strategy".

Started at daylight next day - crossed the river on Pontoons. (the day before I forded it) and we had quite a pleasant trip as we only went to where the troops were. Parked on the same spot I had often been at but what a change - everything was completely destroyed, save the R. R. which they did not have time to damage. The Rebels were completely surprised leaving everything. They had constructed very good huts & intended to spend the winter here. In our place the boys found a letter partially written, pen & ink left standing; in another they had commenced to scald a hog & left it sticking in the barrel half cleaned. They use quill pens & have wooden canteens. Some of the boys found Richmond papers; they were not very full of boastings. This morning the day was opened with cannonading in our front; with what success is not known. It is thought there will be a general move tomorrow. I hope it will be as successful as the past few have been.

With much love I remain your
Rufus

Dear Folks,

I have received several letters from different members of the family & also from Lottie & Nipps, but have not had time to answer any of them; I have not written since we started on the last grand move of this Army for this winter I hope.

I will give you a short history of my part in the campaign.

We left our camp today two weeks ago [November 26, 1863] on a very fine morning about 9 A.M. The roads were very muddy & as the troops took the main roads, the wagons had to move through fields a good part of the time. So you can think what a sweet time we had. About dark of the first days march one of our wagons broke down (loaded with rations) & I stayed with it, while the Q. M. went ahead to hunt a ____ carriage; about 10 P.M. the Q.M. sent back that I should leave the other boys with the wagon & come on: so I started (awful damp & cold), had a great time finding our train as there was so many different cavalry, artillery & Infantry wagons on the roads: finally I found them & after getting awful cold, dirty & tired we halted about 11½ P.M. Stuck up the tent & laid down kind o'slept in the mud till daylight: the Q.M. Sergt. & I started back to hunt the boys with the wagon. Went back about 6 miles & found the boys had left as they got a carriage someplace.

When we got back found our Corps trains gone, only went about 3 miles that day. We were then about ¾ mile from the Rapidan; Heard the fighting on the other side very plain [This would have been the Battle of Mine Run, November 27-December 2, 1863]. Next morning expected to hear it renewed but such was not the case. Saturday morning: got orders to go to the front & issue Beef: the whole batch (120 Beeves) for the corps started about 10 A.M. Crossed the River on Pontoons. Saw some of the gold mines, a good many boys picked up stones full of gold (they thought), but I guess it was about the kind they used to find around home.

Of all the places I ever saw the country on the South side of the Rapidan beats any. It is about the best named place: "the Wilderness", as it is a Wilderness indeed. We went through miles of scanty, stunted woods; fit for nothing but Pea Sticks. About noon the Rain poured down & the hale was opened very heavy. After we had gone about a mile down the Chancellorsville Pike we were stopped as nothing was allowed to go further at that time. The road was very straight & the fight was going along the road so we could see the smoke from our guns. Before I go on I will say I saw a sickening picture. In the woods we came across a dead man - "Union" - there was a small fire near him. We afterwards learned that there were so many wounded in the fight that all the sick were thrown out of the ambulances & it was thought this man was among the number & had built a fire & laid down & died.

About 3 P.M. we started forward again, (Our forces having drove the Rebels about 4 miles) passed Robins tavern [probably Robertson's Tavern] about ½ a mile when we were again stopped. I saw a small clump of men together & went over to see what was to be learned & seen. Here I saw a dead Rebel - he was behind the Rebel breast works that had been taken that day - he was shot through the stomach.

December 13, Sunday morning

We finally started again with the cattle, caught up with our Brigade just as they started forward again: I got tired poaking along with the cattle so I went along with the troops: marched through a very thick piece of woods, over a very narrow, strong road; dark as Egypt. Finally halted about 10 P.M. on the side of a hill. The road was over low swampy country just before we got to camp, & a good many of the boys stuck fast, fell down &c. Passed a first rate night, slept very good - next morning (Sunday) found that we were in the front. In fact from the hill in front of us, [we] could see the Rebels at work on their fortifications. During the day, the crest of the hill in front of the troops was pretty well buried with field artillery placed in position. The Beef got up & was issued just in time, as about 3 P.M. [Brigadier] General [Joseph Bradford] Carr, sent for Col. Smith & told him the Rebel works were to be taken & the storming party was to be our Brigade [Editor's note: General Carr commanded the Third Division, IV Army Corps, at this point in the war]. The order was that the woods were to be taken let it cost what it would. Some of the officers gave me their money in case any thing should happen. I guess I had about $400. About 4 P.M. the ration wagons came up but could not issue as the troops had already formed in line of Battle. Just about this time it got rumored around that [General] Mead had ordered that no fighting should be done on Sunday unless we were assailed: at any rate orders or no orders, there was no fight. I issued the rations about 8 P.M. - did not start back as it was so very dark. About 3 A.M. next day the troops were moved off. I staid where I was until day light at which time I started; just as the order came that non combatants should leave the hill. When I got about half way back to the river, we heard the cannonading and afterwards learned that it was from the batteries where I had been. Did not go back to the river as I was told by the butchers that beef was to be issued as soon as the troops could be reached. During that day saw a good many wounded brought to the Hospitals which were close to where I stopped. During the day Army Head Quarters moved back to where we were, & were again shifted to the front that night. Early next morning, artillery was moving to the rear. About 10 A.M. started to the front with cattle, found the troops back on the same hill they first camped on. The Rebel works were much stronger than was expected, besides they (the Rebs) having felled trees in front of them the night before; & consequently were not stormed: it seems to have been the general impression, that Meade's main object in making the move was to aid Burnside by drawing the attention of the Rebels toward ____ army. How well he succeeded is plain to be seen. We all got safe on this side of the Rapidan next day & started for the Rail road again which we reached next day about day light. Our Regt. lost the Adjutant, [2nd] Lt. [Simon B.] Petree (who was acting aid to Col. Smith) & 1 private. It is not known if they were killed or captured: the former is generally believed [Editor's note: Lt. Petree was captured, and spent over two years in various Confederate prisons, until he was finally exchanged March 1, 1865] We remained at our old camp over night & moved to our present camp next day. We hope we are here for the winter, most of the boys have nice log huts - found a good many here as the Rebels had intended to winter at this place.

When we got here, Lt. [Jacob] Lamb was put into the Brigade Commissary, & I am with him. It keeps me very busy as I have a great deal of writing & a good many accounts to attend to. I am very much obliged to you for the shirt & stocking. I received your letter inquiring how the shirt fit before Capt. France got here - it does very well. I am very very much obliged to Addie & Ma for their Photographs - they are very good indeed. I shall try & keep them safely. Couldn't Papa & Julie send me one of theirs?

The needles and thread were also received. Most certainly I do my own sewing. I think sewing machines will be below par when the soldier boys get home as they will all be able to do their own.

I guess I have given you an evenings job to finish reading this so I will close hoping this may reach you all in as good health as it leaves.

Your Son & Brother,

Rufus.