Albert Brown, 9 November 1863

Camp of the 16th Maine Regiment
November 9th 1863
Near Brandy Station, Va.

Dear Aunt,

I received your letter night before last, Nov. 7th. I received one from home night before last and yours the night before that and I have been so busy following up the Rebs that I haven’t had time to answer either of them till now. As I got yours first, I will answer it first—that is, if I have time.

I believe the last time I wrote to you we were at Thoroughfare Gap. On the 24th of October we struck our tents and went to Brostoe Station and camped near the battleground of the 14th. The railroad track which the Rebs tore up had been newly laid when we got there and almost the only thing that marked the ground was the number of newly made graves. We remained in the vicinity until last Thursday when we started about 4 p. m. and marched to Catlett Station. Stopped there over Friday and Saturday morning started again. Marched all that day and all day yesterday.

The part of the army before us have had one or two engagements with the enemy whom they are driving back. We crossed the Rappahannock yesterday forenoon & you will be likely to hear all about it before this letter reaches you. We are now near Brandy Station. Have not pitched our tents and are liable to start again at any moment. I stand the marches first rate. My health is good.

The weather here is very pleasant now. I wish the girls could have as good a chance to get acorns as we have out here. The principle growth here is oak and pine. I could get any amount of acorns if I had any chance to put them. When we go into winter quarters, if it is not too late, I mean to gather a lot to eat this winter. I would like to have that paper very well after you read it. I get more time to read than I get reading to do. I am going to have them send some from home once in awhile. I guess I won’t write much more this time as I want to try and get time to write home today. I have got out of ink so I have written this with the pencil that you gave me. The folks at home were all well. Give my love to Aunt Patience & Hannah & the girls & accept a good share yourself.

From your nephew, — Albert C. Brown