William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Primary tabs
You see we are still on the moove. I wrote you last from Middletown yesterday.
last night we received orders to march this morning at seven oclock for this
place. we arrived here about ten oclock. I have been up on the famous Battle
ground of “South Mountain” this afternoon and saw where eight hundred of the
Rebel dead are buried and two hundred and eighty of our own brave boys lie
sleeping in a soldiers grave. The battle ground shows unmistakable signs of a
fierce conflict. in one length of rail fence Lieut Thompson counted eighty nine
bullet marks. I also saw the place where the gallant Reno fell-
We
are sent here by Genl. French to hold this pass which is a very important
position just now with the whole Rebel Army on the retreat and our victorious
army following them close in the rear. we have got one Battery, the fifth Maine,
and the 14th N.J. and the one hundred and fifty first N.Y. Regts to help us hold
the pass. part of the balance of Genl. French command are holding “Crampton Gap”
about six miles south of us, while the balance have gone towards Harpers Ferry.
our Cavalry from here went over yesterday and destroyed the “Pontoon bridge” the
Rebs had at Williamsport which is a severe blow to Lee. Our Army has undoubtedly
won a splendid victory at Gettesburgh. we are in hopes to get one good lick at them before they can get back over the Potomac.
before next Saturday night I believe the most of Lee’s Army
of
invasion will be captured. Our army never felt better. Our boys are all well.
Look sharp in the papers for what Genl. French’s division does and then you will
be following our fortunes. What worries me most is I
cannot get any letters from you my darling one, whom I want to see so bad, but if we have a little streak of good luck now the
war will soon be over and I can see you then all I want too. Keep up good
courage. it is late and I am tired so I must say “good night my blessed
wife”
As ever William
“Love to all”