CAMP PIERPONT, VA., December
2, 1861.
The most important piece of intelligence I have to
communicate is that I have bought another horse. He is a fine black horse that
was brought out to camp by a trader, for sale. I bought him on the advice and
judgment of several friends who pretend a knowledge in horse flesh, of which I
am entirely ignorant. I exchanged Sargie’s1 horse and gave a hundred
and twenty-five dollars boot. As Sargie’s horse cost me a hundred and
twenty-five dollars, it makes my black turn me out two hundred and fifty
dollars, a very high price. But Sargie’s horse was entirely broken down and
worthless from exposure, and was pretty much a dead loss to me. I hope my black
will turn out well. Thus far he is very satisfactory, being full of spirit and
quite handsome; but there is no telling when you get a horse from a regular
trader what a few days of possession may bring forth. Everything now looks as
if * * * news was correct, that we were not to advance from our present position,
but look to Southern expeditions for action on the enemy. We are not positively
informed that we are in winter quarters, but the men are allowed to make
themselves as comfortable as they can. I cannot say I am pleased with this — to
remain inactive for four months.
The poor doctor who was wounded in the cavalry skirmish the
other day has since died. He was only twenty-six years old, and leaves a young
wife, who reached here three hours after his death. Such afflictions should
reconcile us to our lesser troubles.
__________
1 Son of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 232-3
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