| 1864-09-30 | Camp by the Wayside |
| Camp by the Wayside Sept. 30, 1864 Dear Parents Your most welcome letter of the 20th came to hand yesterday morning and I was very glad to hear from you. In my last I wrote that we were in reserve and had just gone into camp, but we did not enjoy our camp long. The next morning after we had got nicely fixed up we rec'd orders to pack up and move. We marched back to the left, in rear of our old position we had left the day or two before and here we are yet but how long we shall remain I do not know. Yesterday we lay all day awaiting orders and are doing the same yet. Last night we rec'd good news from Genl Butler. He is driving the Rebels from their works across the James. He has taken the New Market road and was still pushing on toward Richmond. He was within 7 miles of there last night. We are liable to move to reenforce him at any moment or to attack on the left just as the case requires. There was some fighting on the left just as the case requires. There was some fighting on the left last evening. The result we have not learned yet. I presume we shall soon be engaged at some point along the lines. We are sure of a speedy close of this war. You spoke of my being credited to Wellsboro. I do not want my credit to go there. They have no right to credit one against his wishes. I think the credit can be changed by going to the Boro. It would be well to pay some one $50 to attend to it and see that it was changed. If we can get $600 from Westfield. Are you certain that my name is down to Wellsboro? If it cannot be changed it will have to go for I cannot get a certificate from the mustering officer now. The Provo Marshall of our district is the man to change it. If we cannot get it changed let it go. If they pay any bounty then get what you can and use it. I hope by spring this war will be over and we all will be at home. Do not send those boots until you hear from me again if not already sent. I will write again soon as we get settled again and I get a chance. My respects to all enquiring friends reserving the greater share for yourselves. Please excuse my writing in pencil as I am in a hurry not knowing how soon we may move. It is reported that the Johnies are evacuating our front but I think it all a hoax, but I must close hoping to hear from you soon. From your ever Affectionate Son J.D. Strait | |