Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
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Suppose you see by the papers that we are advancing. We crossed the river- last
Tuesday night. started about 11 o’clock, didn’t know one thing about it but an
hour before we left, I was sitting on a court marshall, had been all day &
was expecting to nearly all night. had several cases to try. Its the most solemn
business I ever did. The order came to get ready to march, no one knew where.
McClellan was here & went with us, ten regts in all besides
artillery & cavalry. We took position a couple miles fr the bridge, &
awaited an attack, but nothing appeared & has not yet. We have a strong
position & shall hold it. We prepared for battle
every morn before daylight. I have done some pretty hard work & been trusted
with some very important business. Genl Smith is the most severe man I ever saw,
yet he seems to take some liking to me & gives me important duties. I
suppose the grand advance is begun & in a military
way - no such
hap-hazzard manner as our first advance. Genl. Scott’s telegram seemed almost
like a voice from above. he said, “all is ready, let the column advance.” but
this is not to be made public. We are surely marching on to a glorious victory
all feel it to be so. The two forces are very near each other & must come
together soon or the Enemy retreat, & retreat is surely destruction to them.
We have taken no tents, but camp on the ground unencumbered. All like
it very much. It rained severely yesterday but we shelter ourselves various
ways & keep plenty of camp fires. I could tell of many curious experiences
already but cant stop to write much I got away a short time this morn to come
over to write a word, don’t know when I can write again but you may know that
all is well until you hear again if we remain where we are I can come over &
write occasionally but I don’t know when we shall move. We all expected a battle
the first two nights sure, after forming our lines & getting everything
ready I lay down & slept as well as I ever did
any where,
expecting to be awaked by the announcement of an approach & well pleased
with the thought. I feel more & more confident every day that I shall able
to bear up under the ordeal, when it comes. I rely on an arm mightier than my
own - whatever may be the result with me, all will be well. I would not be
elsewhere for anything. The increase of responsibility makes me the more cool
and fearless. I would rather die than flinch. I thank God that I am born to some
purpose. I get yr letters the day after you write. There will no trouble
about yr letters reaching me. write as often as you please.
You can form but little idea of our situation just now. We have seen & felt
about all there is of war as soldiers excepting the actual engagement. I have no
horse yet, use a team horse, have sent to Vt for one. I was in the saddle for 24
hours almost all the time up to last eve. Wore down 2 horses & rode the
third, & succeeded in executing every order. I like the business now very
much. Give me a blanket & something to eat, no matter what & I can do
any am’t of work
The Genl. has great confidence in our reg’t &
calls on us for about everything difficult & important. I believe I shall go
through it all & come home to you at last. I have written in great haste.
Remember me to all.
Yr devoted husbandW. G. Veazey
Direct to me now as Lt Col.