Camp of the 16th Maine Vols.
Manchester, Va.
April 5th 1865
Dear Aunt,
Your very acceptable letter of March 30 arrived safe to hand this morning and as there is a prospect of our lying still today, I will undertake to answer it. Our Corps is on its way to Washington by the way of Petersburg, Richmond and Fredericksburg. We started on the 1st, came through Petersburg on the 3rd, and arrived at Manchester just opposite the river from Richmond last night. I can see nearly all of the late Rebel Capitol from where I am sitting now. Libby Prison and the State House are very prominent objects. I don’t know how long we are going to remain here but probably only for a day or two. Sherman is on his way here from Danville with his army and is going to follow us right through to Washington. There is to be a Grand Review there of all the armies on the 20th of this month and then they are going to discharge the most of the troops.
I will not predict any time that I shall be at home for I do not know anything about what they are intending to do with us. But as things look now, I think there is a fair prospect of my seeing Old Maine in the course of a couple of months at the longest. We have got a long march before us but I think there is no doubt but what we are good for it as we have marched over the same ground before but under a little different circumstances that we are going to march it this time. You tell me to keep us good courage. Well I have had pretty good courage so far and I don’t think that this is any time to lose it so I will follow your advice. I should consider a Union soldier a poor affair who hadn’t courage now, shouldn’t you? Well I guess I have written about enough for this time. Give my love to all the folks and accept a good share yourself. Write again as soon as convenient. From your affectionate nephew, — Albert C. Brown
Co. C, 16th Regt. Me. Vols., Manchester, Va.
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