| 1862-08-18 | Acquia Creek, Va. |
| Acquia Creek, Va. August 18th 1862 Dear Parents It is with disappointment that I attempt to write a fiew lines to you to let you know that I am well but have not rec'd an answer to one of the many letters that I have written since we left S.C. We have a daily mail. It does seem that I ought to get a letter from home before this time but have not. The last letter I rec'd was dated July 19th and directed to S.C. but it came here. It can't be possible that you do not write any oftener. One whole long month. When one is so far away at war that seems a long time not to hear from home. I thought I would not write until I got one from you but 1 thought if you were as anxious to hear from me as I am to hear from home often it would pay me to write and let you know how I was getting along. There is no news of importance to communciate at present. Last Saturday the 6th regt landed here. and we had a pleasant chat with the boys. Capt. Carle is as social as ever and the boys all like him very much. We had a good visit with him. They are at or near Fredericksburg. I have heard nothing of Pope of late. At last account he had cut Jackson up badly. I hope this new call for troops will be responded to by the able bodiest men at the North but I do not think Father able to go into the service. When you write let me know who has come from Elk Run and Pine Creek. The boys here are all well as usual and I am getting as fat as a bear. This is a short letter but I cannot think of anymore to write this time so you will excuse the brevity of this and please write soon and oftener than you have of late. Give my respect to all enquiring friends but the most to yourselves. This from your ever Affectionate Son. J.D. Strait Direct Acquia Creek, Va Via Washington City, D.C. ON GUARD At midnight on my lonely beat When shadow wraps the wood and lea A vision seems my view to greet Of one at home that prays for me No roses bloom upon her check Her form is not a lovers dream But on her face so fair and meek A host of holier beauties gleam. For softly shines her silver hair A patient smile is on her face And the mild lustrous light of prayer Around her sheds a moonlight grace She prays for one thats far away The Soldier in his holy fight And begs that heaven in mercy may Protect her boy and bless the right. Till, though the leagues lie far between, This silent incense of her heart Steals o'er my soul with breath serene And we no longer are apart So guarding thus my lonely beat By shadowy wood and haunted lea That vision seems my view to greet Of her at home who prays for me. J.D. Strait To His Mother | |