| 1862-11-22 | Camp near Fredericksburg |
| Nov. 22 1862 Camp near Fredericksburg Dear Parents This afternoon finds me once more trying to answer your kind letter which I rec'd about a week ago but had not time to answer until now. We were on the march for 5 days only halting for the night and you may know that one does not get much time to write in such times but we have been in this Camp 2 nights and will probably remain here several days longer. The Rebels hold Fredericksburg yet but I think Burnside intends taking possession of the City in a few days. We can now see what a splendid affair it was burning the dock and buildings at Acquia Creek. Our government has to rebuild it now. How much better it would have been to have left them all and us have the use of them now. It was supposed by some this expedition was intended for Richmond but the recent rains have made the roads almost impassable but whether that will stop the army from advancing I do not know but I hope we shall not be obliged to do much more marching very soon for I am nearly worn out now. There is different opinions in regard to our disposition. Some think our Regt will be sent to winter quarters and others think of a winter campaign but I think the latter utterly impossible. I hear that the North is well pleased with the removal of McClellan and the enemy are as much displeased but I hope it will turn out for the best. It has gone so far that I care but little which party whips. This war has already lasted longer than necessary and the prospects are no better for a settlement now than when I first enlisted but I know little to write today. I do not feel like writing so if you will please excuse this short letter and I will try to do better next time so I will close with no prospects of getting home this winter but hoping to hear from you. This from Your Affectionate Son. J .D. Strait | |