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Near Fredericksburg Dec 17th 1862
Dear Mother
We are back in the old camp just where I expected to be when we started. We
have done gone and took Fredericksburg and got back again without any
damage to our regiment which is quite a wonder to me. There never was a
fight before, but what we lost a few. All of the regiment was on picket
except our Company and we were on guard for the Genls Headquarters. The
firing was very heavy on picket and a good many bullets came whistling down
the street where we were but did not happen to hit anyboddy. One of the
Genls aids woke us up yesterday morning about three Oclock and told us that
we had got to cross the river again did not like that a bit for we did not
have to leave the quarters that we had. We got up and rolled up our
blankets and by the time we got out in the street the rain poured down in
torrents. We crossed the river in a heavy shower and got wet to the skin
which was very pleasant if a person happened to like it. I had a chance to
look around the town a little after I wrote the last letter. I have read of
towns being sacked but never saw it done before and cant say that I want to
again. I looked in two houses and I presume I saw six hundred thousand
dollars worth of property destroyed. I could not bear to look any farther.
It is a shame and disgrace to our Generals to allow such things and as long
as they let it go on they will never be successful at least, I hope they
will not and I think I am right in my sentiments. The night before our
division crossed the river, Burnside passed through our lines when we were
all up in line, but he did not get a cheer. I think he has made a fizzle
and never can repair his reputation again. If Little Mac had been here he
would have had the heights before this time and the rebel army routed but
McClellan never had as good an army as Burnside has got now for reasons not
known to us. It is enough to make a man home sick to hear the rumors that
are made in relation to the Genl in chief. I dont know but I do wrong in
writing as I do, but I cant help it it is just the way I feel. Let me hear
from you soon
Your Aff Son
CJH
P.S. I have just got your letter dated the 4th. Also one from Eunice.
Will answer hers as soon as I can
Historical Notes
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