Albert Brown, 28 March 1865

Camp of the 16th Maine Vols.
Near Hatcher’s Run, Va.
March 28, 1865

Dear Aunt,

I received your very welcome letter of the 22nd this morning together with the papers. Your letter found me at the old camp. I thought the last time I wrote that I should not write to you again from this place but our regiment have not moved yet for good although we have been called out from camp a number of times to support the front line when the Rebs were trying to break through.

I suppose you see by the papers that we have had considerable fighting in this vicinity lately. The most of it was on the front line in the 9th and 2nd Corps. I believe none of our Corps has been engaged excepting the 1st Division. I believe the Rebs got pretty badly whipped. The 2nd Corps alone buried one thousand and two Rebs after the fight. Everything is quiet today.

We may not move again very soon unless the Rebs make another attack. Still we are under marching orders all of the time and liable to start at any moment. I believe I am not obliged to go into a fight unless I choose to. I did not leave camp in any of the marches lately.

John McGinley got back a few days ago. He escaped from the Rebs and has been home on a furlough. He was at our house while at home.

I got a letter from Aunt Nellie a few days ago—the first one I ever received from her. They were all well, I believe, excepting Uncle Ben. He had been very sick but was getting better. I think I have received all the papers that you have sent to me. I have had them nearly every week since you commenced sending them. My health continues to be very good. I believe I have nothing more to write this time. Give my love to Aunt Patience and Hannah and to Cousin Abbie & accept a good share for yourself. I will not ask you to write soon for I know you will if you can.

Fro your affectionate nephew, — Albert C. Brown, Esqr.

Co. C, 16th Regt Me. Vols.

P. S. I have tried to get my picture taken this winter and send to you but I have had no good chance. Whenever I have the opportunity to have one taken, I will send you one. — A. C. B. Esqr.