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Near Fredericksburg Dec 21st 1862
Dear Mother
It is once more Sunday and everything seems very quiet for this place. It
is to cold for inspections so there is not much drumming going on. I shall
be glad if I can ever get away from the noise of these cussed drums. They
are the last thing heard at night and the first thing in the morning and
they verry seldom stop two minutes during the day. What is said at home in
regard to the late Brilliant defeat do the people like it. There is a great
deal of bitter feeling here against the govornment or in other words the
president and Genl. Hallick. If they could hear the remarks that are made
about them I think they would want to give up business right away. I think
they might as well stop now as to try to do any thing more this last defeat
is the best thing that ever happened for the Southern Confederacy. I guess
tho I am getting a little off the track I did not intend to write a speech
when I began so I will not say any more about it. I wish you could have
been here to see the battle field last Saturday afternoon just after the
fog cleared off. We were on the high hill where we could see the whole
length of the lines and see the batteries fire on both sides it was the
most splendid sight I ever saw. I will not except Malvern Hill and we were
out of danger with the exception of a few stray shot and shell which did
not harm anyone. The firing was the heaviest that I have ever heard. The
condition that the air was in made it sound a great deal heavier than it
really was. The river opposite the city was full of tobacco and as soon as
our men crossed they went to hauling it out and in a very short time the
whole army was well supplied. I have got enough on hand now to last me a
month so you will not have to send any more right away. I got some by mail
last night that Albert sent me. I guess I shall not get so much on hand but
what it will keep. We are all back in our old quarters just as comfortable
as ever. Now if they will let us alone the rest of the winter I will be
satisfied. I hope Hallick won't try to get us to Richmond on crutches for I
think he will fail if he does. I hope you will get the box started as soon
as possible for I do not get any too much to eat. The rations never have
been so short before. I think there must be a nigger in the fence
somewhere. We have just got the papers telling of the removal of Genl
Hallick if he could hear the cheers I think he would be well pleased. We
have just been paid four months pay and I send you twenty five dollars.
Would send more but don't know how to spare it verry well, as long as grub
is so scarce. I mean to have enough to eat if it takes all that I earn. I
can stand most anything but hunger. I wish you to make Sommers a nice
present from me.
Your Aff Son
Cyrus J Hardaway
Benajah is going to send forty dollars to Mr. White.
Historical Notes
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