Camp LyonAug 25th /61My dear Wife, darling

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I have rec’d lots of letters fr you the past week. It has been the pleasantest week since I have been here, every way. The weather has been delightful, much cooler than Aug. in N. Eng. & not rainy much. Nights very cool, almost cold. Its a humbug about this Southern climate being so much better than N. Eng. climate. I believe it is more tedious for any one to bear. I have been in command of the Reg’t most of the time for the past week, therefore have not been detailed for special duties so much as usual

Have been over to Va with a scouting party twice, but we had plesant days both times We drove in the rebel pickets, the last time, Friday & a body of their cavalry, took two prisoners & 15 or 20 tons of hay, & got all the peaches we wanted. Union men gave them to us. We are continually increasing & perfecting our defences. Troupes are coming in to Washington quite fast since the President’s call & reports say the rebels are drawing off, & concentrating at Fairfax Ct house. Atherton has been ordered to Washington & is on the way I suppose, perhaps has arrived. he had not a full Co. but, all were ordered forward. Wish he could be sent here as I cant

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get away to see him, we are so busy. He ought to have come with us in any capacity, for he could be promoted now if a worthy officer. Genl. Smith has recommended Lt. Col. Hyde for Col. & me for Lt. Col. but the Gov. may have some connections to appoint. I never reckon on anything till I get it & am not over anxious for promotion any way. My position is good enough now. If I were Lt. Col. any little accident might throw the whole command on to my hands, whi. is altogether more of a responsibility than I feel equal to. It is easy to have simply the title of Col. but to be a Col. in fact & worthy the title is no small thing. I scarcely know the man

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in all my acquanitances that is really fit for this position in regular service. I am as fat as I ever was. We have plenty of fruit which makes me feel well always. We have a mess now & live very well. I can eat all before me. I guess you can cook well enough for us. Are you perfectly well this summer? & perfectly careful Hope you will have a nice time at N. C. Please remember me to the folks there, Mrs. A in particular and Miss P. Where is her other self? Don’t forget who you are. I have not rec’d my coms. as Major yet. Seaver & several Capts want it very much. Seaver is Provost Marshall of the brigade, a place of much labor & no honor. He dont wear very well with the officers, but you need not mention it. Please write often this week my angel love. Tell me everything &c, &c. I dont know but I shall try to sell out at Springfield for if the northern people don’t take hold of this war better we shall certainly have a 3 years job.

Yuor own fond husband,W G Veazey