The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1862-10-10
CAMp tOlst, ISegt, z. Y.
Near Suffolk, Va, Sept. 20, 1862. {

Near Suffolk, Va, Sept 20, 1862.
DEAR MOTHER This is the first chance ]
have had for some days to write you letter of
any length. We retreated from Harrison's Ian
ding on the 18th of August taking the river
road to Williamsburg, we reached the Chcka-
hominy about o'clock next day, crossed the
river on the Pontoon Bridge, and encamped a.
bout five miles this side. The next morning
August 10, we took up our line of march again,
for Williamsburg, which place we reached the
second time about o'clock. We did not stop
here, but on we marched scarce resting long G.
nough to have breathing-spell, from the fa-
tigues and savage fights of this Peninsula, for
we heard our dear old keystone was in danger,
and did not know but that we would be next
needed at home In our march up the PENN
sula last spring, we passed through Williams
burg, with bayonets glistening in the sun like
FURNISHED silver. The stars and stripes stream
ing against, the wind, the airall alive with mar
tiai music. All was hope for we had just got
through with the battle of that town, dense
was the smoke and more woefnl still the carnage.
But, on, on, we were marched, with the roar of
thunder and the sweeps of lightning; on, breath
ing death before us, until the fight was ours,
the day was won. We thought then we would
soon have possession of Richmond. How diff
ferent it is now. We marched through that
town at quick time, never looking to the right
or the left. The Sccesh of Williamsburg GER
tainly had the laugh on us, and / suppose, pas
sed, now and then, joke at our expense. /
hope there will be change soon, that will turn
the Joke the other way Some of the boys said
that they were told in the town, coming
through, that they were on the wrong road to
Richmond, that the road run the other way,
pointing over their left shoulder. We passed
Fort Magruder, and the battle field, where
great mlny of our brave boys had been left,
on oar march up the Peninsula, and went into
Camp about miles this side of the town.
The battlefield appeard to me like a dream. 1t
has since been burnel off, and growcd up with
tall grass. All those brave boys sacrificed their
lives to no purpose. We have accomplished
nothing in the campaign of the Peninsula as |
can see. After lying over one day and night in
order to let the balance of the troops by and
cover the rear, we took up our line of march
and reached 1ork Town about noon; passed
through over the ground on which Lord Corn
wa!ac' sur naered his sword up to Gen. Geo. |
w asilneton, and encamped two miles beyond |
After lying here two or three days we marched /
to Fortress Monroe where we lay for about
two weeks, doing guard duty around the Fort |
" all thought we were going to be stationed
at that point to do guard duty in the Fort |
Our expectation was blighted For in one
hour from the time we received marc hing orders. |
we were on board a large boat crossing the Bay |
to Norfolk, bound for Suffolk. as that town was |
N danger of an attack Norfolk is quite, if |
not altogether, large city. | had not mnch !
time in it., only walking from the boat to the
;ars, for they showed us through fast. Bit |
what L saw was enough to shor; that il had |
'nce been quite business place.
We reached Suffolk, and found it in state
II alarm, for the troops that were here reioiced
% see us come 10 reinforce them There is re-
,orted to DE qnite an army at Black Water.
'ome twenty miles above this place. The Black
Water river runs into the Nansamond before it
'mpties into the Bay.
We are fortifying this place very strongly, we
Expect an attack every night
Suffolk is pretty little town and has the
advantage of two Rail Roads and the Nanse-
nond river. The Nansemond is very narrow
liver, but is very deep We have small gun
,oat lying in it, that commands the town.
IL mere are plenty OF pretty girls here, but Sc
esh 10 describe them | would have to use
he language of a novelist. Their compilations
re a brilliant blending of pearls and roses.
Their lips are just the tint of cherries, and their
miles enchanting. They have beautiful black
lair hanging in profuso clusters around their al
baster nccks, and their eyes are u rich dark
azel. Their dress is very elegant and taste
III, with their little jockey hats
Nothing more, this time. expect to see you,
hat is if get out Of the war alive. IF not
What matterl
Your Son,