March 3rd, 1863

Camp Near Fredericksburg March 3rd 1863

Dear Mother

I have not written as regularly as I should have done of late for I have been liveing in hopes of getting a furlough. But I have given up all hopes of it now. I think I could have had one just as well as not if there has not been a nigger in the fence with our officers. If you are successful in getting the commission for me I can get home there for a few days so perhaps that will do just as well. There are no furloughs granted now for more than ten days so if I had one I could not stay at home more than four days at the out side and that would be worse than no stay at all. We had quite a time here last week Wednesday just as we were going to bed we got orders for fall in and go out to picket lines in a hurry for they had been attacked by Stuarts Cavalry. We got out there at 2 oclock in the morning and when we got there every thing was all quiet with the exception of a very hard rain which made it quite pleasant but we have got used to such things and don't mind them much. There is nothing like getting used to a thing.
I have not got the box yet sent my Mrs Maynard but think it will come along in time. Charley Buck got a letter from the Express agent at Washington saying that his box that was sent last fall was in the office in Washington he will probably get it by and by. I wish you would do up a Handkerchief and towel and send me by mail right away for I have none at all.
Gust gave me a Handkerchief when he was here but I lost it the same day. The Snow is all gone off here now and we are having beautiful weather very much like May at home. I received two papers last night hope you will send them oftener in the future.

Your Aff Son
Cyrus J Hardaway

Historical Notes

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