150 Years Ago (1864 7/30)

2 miles Beyond Harpers Ferry, on the Virginia Side of the Potomac, July 30^th. I did not have time to finish this before the troops were in motion. Crossed the Monocacy, went to Frederick City, then took the road to Harpers, got to Jefferson at 12 o’clock Midnight. You may guess we slept sound. Crossed the Potomac at the Ferry yesterday at about noon on a pontoon bridge, and came here on the Second ridge from the river. It is now 10 o’clock A.M. And have not moved yet. Hope we will lie still today. May move in the afternoon. The stragglers are coming in, limping along. The men need a little rest sadly. It is sore feet mainly. Health otherwise good. I am all right. Have had a hard time with the cattle, as in Maryland have to keep the road, and it is so crowded with troops, artillery and trains. In Virginia there are but few forces and we go where we please. I have received another letter from you, this morning, making four since we came back from the Valley of the Shenandoah. We are in it again. I saw some papers this morning. They do not mention our whereabouts. I cannot write much at this time, and I have lost my ink and have borrowed and that is called for, but this will tell you where we are and have been. I want to give you two or three sheets. Had a pencil but sweat it to death. Am afraid that I shall spoil my watch, shirt and breeches, buttons are all rusty. The third division is encamped in sight. I shall hunt them up today, but must finish this, as I may have a chance to send it to the office at the Ferry before we move. If we stop here tomorrow, shall write again.

Yours in love and affection,

Charles.