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January 1st, 1863 |
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Near Fredericksburg Dear Mother I got a letter the other day dated the 22nd and that is the only one that I have had since the battle. It seems a little odd to go so long without letters but I suppose it is all right. I will write a little now just to let you know that we have not been idle all the week. We started from Camp Tuesday afternoon to go some where. We did not know where. Just as we got out of camp it began to rain so we came to the conclusion that we were going on a pretty good tramp. We marched untill 2 O clock that night, laid down all wet and in the rain. They would not let us make any fire for fear of being seen by the rebs which they wished to avoid if possible. We laid and shivered untill four O clock. They then got us up and let us make a little coffee. As soon as that was done they took our regt and started for the river. We got down there and got in position before day light. When day light came we discovered about fifty rebel cavalry on the opposite bank. They did not see us and were perfectly contented . We were pretty well concealed by bushes and they did not discover us for nearly an hour. About the time they saw us some of our Cavalry came down and began crossing. After they got into the water the rebs fired on them, but they did not have a chance. Only once for the same time that they fired our regiment opened on them. The firing did not last more than two minutes, but it was "right Smart" while it did last, but such skidadling as those fellows did I never saw before they made better time than any of the fast horses up north can do. I have not enjoyed myself so much before since I have been a soldier it did me more good than a good meal of victuals would. I do not know how many of them got hit, but I guess not a great many for the men were to bussy laughing to shoot verry straight. After the firing was over part of the regt crossed over as skirmishers followed by one brigade of infantry. They did not find anything over there so they came back last night, and this morning we started for camp. So you can see how I have spent New Years. I feel well paid for my tramp and would not object to taking one every week of the same kind. We have marched about fifteen miles to day and I feel a little tired so I guess I will not write any more. If you have not got my letter of the seventh telling you to put up a box you need not wait any longer but put it up right away. The sooner it is starting the sooner I shall get it. I would like to get letters and papers a little oftener if possible. Your Aff Son Mrs J Beardsley |
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