Mitchell Station, Va.
April 28, 1864
Dear Brother,
This is a very pleasant morning and I am going to improve it in writing to you and in answering a letter which I received from Aunt Polly yesterday morning. Our Brogade broke up winter quarters Tuesday morning and moved about a mile and put up shelter tents. I think the move was made so that we should be in better shape to start on a march provided we had to start without much warning. I came out on picket again in the morning before they moved. Have been out two days now and will probably be relieved tomorrow. The picket line has not been changed.
We have sent all of our superfluous clothing to Washington. We are allowed to carry nothing only what is necessary to keep us comfortable. One pair of pants, a blouse, one change of under clothes, one pair of boots or shoes, a cap, rubber and woolen blanket, one piece of tent is. the outfit for summer. I have not sent my overcoat but shall when I get a chance. I suppose that I have got to see some fighting this summer. Can’t say that I am very anxious. Still if I have to go into a fight, I intend to do the best I can.
I think Stetson has done a bog thing, don’t you? I didn’t hardly think that go him, but you know it is a trick of the family. He is the one who said when he heard that Charles had deserted that he had rather have heard of his death than to have heard such a thing as that of his brother.
You had a awful time at the winding up of your school, to be sure. I think I can imagine what your feelings were while swallowing your soup and beans when you expected every moment to get the corner of a dipper or dish cloth in your teeth. Ought! But it seems you lived through it. Hope you will get over your chicken pox as easily. I saw John McGinley the other evening. He is still at Brigade Headquarters. Like it first rate and is looking finely. Hub is in the regiment. He is well, I believe. I sent a bible in the mail to Mother last Monday. It is the one Aunt Polly gave me. I found it very inconvenient to carry so I concluded to send it home. I have got a nice little testament which I picked yup and it is a great deal better to carry than the Bible.
My health is good. Give my love to all the folks. Write as often as you can.
From your brother, — Albert C. Brown
Spared & Shared 21 