Dear Parents,

I received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were in your usual health.  We are encamped here, yet.

There is seven or eight regiments from Hunter’s Expedition come here.   The 7th Conn. is here or is coming.  It is generally expected that part of Halleck’s force is coming here.  Burnside is to have command of the left wing of McClellan’s Army.  Our colonel says there is no telling how soon we have left here. It may be a day and it may be a month.  We expect to be paid off soon.  We are not allowed outside the guard without a pass.  There is no good water to use, except to wash clothes in the camp, so there is two detailed every day from each company.  I am for one today.  We have nothing else to do.  We lived rather poor since we have been here, but if we had money and could get outside the guard we could.  First rate things are sold reasonable here of every description.   If we had money we could find a way to get out.  There is a grand chance to bathe in salt water here.  We go in almost every day.  A commissioned officer goes with us.

The expected arrival of Burnside’s Expedition created great enthusiasm amongst the Army of the Potomac .  Burnside is feared more by the rebels than any other general.  I have no doubt that when Burnside moves, Richmond will be taken.  In what way he will attack, I cannot tell but it is thought he will attack Fort Darling first.

I should be very glad to have you send me your likeness.  I would not have put any verses on the paper if I had known it was against the law.  I don’t think of much more to write.  I suppose there is considerable excitement there since the call for troops and much talk about drafting.  I will write often.  I don’t suppose you will answer all my letters.  Write often as you think.  Best give my love to Grandmother.  I send mine to you and all the rest. Goodbye for this time.

From,

Henry W. Brown 

[Letter to his sister]

Dear Ada,

I got your letter today and was very glad to hear that you are well.  I am well, as usual.  I did not think you would like Mr. Elliott very well.  I knew you would not stay long.  I should not want to work there myself.  I should be very happy to have yours and mother’s likeness and grandmother’s, if she could.  I want to know if old Barrett is going to get married.  He would make a very good husband.  I hope if he don’t enlist, he will be drafted.  I don’t think of much more to write.  My love to you and all the rest. 

Goodbye,