Camp Alexandria, August 30, 1862.
My dear sister:
We hurried here yesterday and immediately received orders to
move to the front at nine o'clock this morning. Although the orders have not been
countermanded, we have not gone, and the presumption is we shall not for a day.
Everything is in the utmost consternation, as much so as after Bull Run.
Washington people seem to lose their senses at the most unfounded rumours, but
there may be some cause for it now. The enemy are not far off, and things here
are not in the best state to receive them. A few days must make some great
changes; God grant they may be favourable ones. I am in camp near the one I
occupied last winter. The men are tired and to some degree dispirited, but a
few days' rest will bring them up. I know but little of what is going on ; no
one does but General Halleck and the enemy. All correspondence is prohibited,
and telegraphic communication cut off. We were landed at Aquia Creek, and were
on our way to Fredericksburg when orders came to reimbark and proceed to
Alexandria. You may direct your letters to Washington.
With much love, I remain, as ever,
Your affectionate
brother,
J. S.
SOURCES: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 78-9
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