HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA, Sunday, October 2, 1864.
DEAREST: — I am writing to you so often these days because I am
thinking of you more anxiously than usual, and on account of the great
uncertainty of our communications. There are some indications today that we
shall push on further south. You will know if we do by the papers. If so we
shall be cut off from friends more than ever.
Dr. Joe has gone with the First Brigade out about six miles to grind up
the wheat at some mills in that quarter. It seems to be a great place for
sport. They are having a jolly time.
We hear from Winchester today. One of our orderlies, Johnny Kaufman,
died of his wound. Captain Hastings and the rest are all doing well.
Great droves of cattle and sheep are going past us north. Everything
eatable is taken or destroyed. No more supplies to Rebels from this valley. No
more invasions in great force by this route will be possible.
P. M. - Indications look more like going on with our campaign. I would
prefer going towards my darling and the chicks. Still, I like to move. We came
here a week ago. After this active year I feel bored when we stop longer than a
day or two. I have tried all available plans to spend time. I read old Harpers,
two of Mrs. Hall's novels, — you know I don't "affect" women's
novels. I find myself now reading “East
Lynne.” Nothing superior in it, but I can read anything.
For the first time in five or six days, we are just startled by cannon
firing and musketry, perhaps four or five miles in our front. It is probably
Rebel cavalry pitching into our foraging parties, or making a reconnaisance to
find whether we have left.
"Have your men under arms,” comes from General Crook. I ask,
"Is it thought to be anything?" "No, but General Sheridan sends
the order to us." Well, we get under arms. This letter is put in my
ammunition box. I mount my horse and see that all are ready. The firing gets
more distant and less frequent. "We have driven them,” somebody
conjectures, and I return to my tent, “East Lynne," and my darling, no
wiser than ever.
I am in receipt of yours of [the] 13th. The mail goes back immediately.
Good-bye. Blessings on your head.
