Camp of the 16th Me. Regt.
Near Rappahannock Station, Va.
November 24, 1863
Dear Aunt,
I received your letter Sunday evening—also the papers which you sent. I suppose you would like to know what I have been about since the last time I wrote to you which was from Brandy Station, the other side of the Rappahannock. The very night after I wrote to you we recrossed the river and went to a place called Liberty about five miles from Rappahannock Station. The day after we arrived there, a portion of our regiment—I amongst the number—were detailed to go to Bealeton Station to help repair the railroad which the Rebs had torn up. We were there five days during which time the road was finished as far as Rappahannock Station. Didn’t have to work at all. We then went back to our regiment and remained at Liberty till yesterday morning.
Last Saturday a party of Rebel Cavalry made a raid on our pickets near where I was on guard, took some of the boys haversacks and what money they could get hold of. They also captured several horses and mules. Our cavalry, however, soon scattered them. Our regiment also came out to support. We followed them about two miles and then came back. I have since heard that our cavalry have taken a number of them prisoners.
Yesterday morning we broke up camp at Liberty and came to within about a mile and a half of Rappahannock Station and pitched our tents near the railroad. We received orders last night to be ready to march again this morning but when we turned out this mornin, we found it somewhat rainy. We however packed up our things and got all ready to start. The order then came to pitch our tents again which we were not long in doing. I suppose the reason we did not move is because the roads are getting so bad that it’s hard getting the teams along when it is wet weather.
I don’t know where we are going. There is all manner of stories going the rounds as is usual in camp, some of which are that we are to the front, that we are going to Culpeper, that we are only going to Rappahannock Station, and that we are going to someplace to prepare our winter quarters—but we never know where we are going till we get there.
My health is good as has been the case most of the time since I have been out here. You say there is some prospect of the wars coming to a close before long. I hope that will be the case. I received a letter from Frank just now. He says that they are enlisting very fast about there. That a number of the towns have nearly made up their quotas. The large bounties are what fetch in the men.
The folks at home were all well. My sheet is getting full so I guess I will close. Give my love to all hands. From your nephew, — Albert C. Brown
Spared & Shared 21 