William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Primary tabs
I have got to write you this quiet Sabbath eve without having heard a word from
home for the last ten days. In mooving up here we have missed our mail some way
and it has not got around yet. I expect to get a whole handful of letters when
it does come. I have got three companies here, and am guarding “Haulingford”
north of the Monocacy river. We have got a splendid place to camp - plenty of
good dry wood good fresh water, and good nice stones to build fireplaces with. I
have got my tent fixed up nicely now - with a good floor and am comfortable. I
have got a private from Co “A” Johnny Cole of Walden Vt for a servt. now, and he
is first rate - takes good care of my things. Col Jewett is three miles below me
at Whites Ford with four companies and Maj Chandler is two miles below him with
three co’s. Co “B” is with him so I have not seen them since last Monday, but I
hear they are all doing well. Sergt. Abbott is doing better, and
we
think now he is going to get well. I hope he will, for he is one of our best
men, and will be a Lieut. in a few days. I went out Christmas on an invitation
from an old fellow by the name of Trundell who lives close bye, and got a first
rate Christmas dinner. They were very nice people. I was there again today and
got dinner. He is very friendly, for he wants me to keep
the boys from stealing all his chickens and loose
property. To day I was up to “Point of Rocks” to meet a Col. of Cavalry, to make
arrangements about guarding the river from here there, three six
miles. The river will then be guarded from Washington to Harpers Ferry. I think
we are settled for the balance of the winter here now, if the Rebels do not
drive us out. I have got a splendid place to make a fight, in between the little
hills, a force three times as large as mine could not drive me out. A smart
looking “contraband” has just been brot in by the officer of·the guard, who has
just come across the river, from his Master – the poor fellow was nearly
frightened out of his wits, for his master had told
him that if he
got over here the Yankees would sell him to go South. He felt very much assured
when I told him he was free, and could go where he
pleased. The Lieut took him for a servt. The poor things think they are all
going to be free after New Years - but I am afraid they are going to be
disapointed. I am borrowing considerable trouble about my “little ones” and am
very anxious to get my letters and hear how they are. I am not going to be able
to get away yet a while, for I expect every day Col Jewett will be in command of
the Brigade, and that will leave me in command of the Regt., but patience. I
blive “all will yet be well”. I hope the little ones are better so you can come
down and see me if I cannot go by and by - it would be very easy for you to get
to me now for I am only five miles from the depot on the Balt. & Ohio R.R.
My health is tip top yet. I belive my Lung difficulty is completely cured. I have not felt that soreness in my chest for some
time, and am free from a cough. Aint that good? You must write often and I will try to write twice a week again
when it is so I can. Good night my darling one, and may God bless you.
As Ever William