Ross Family Letters, RG
149
Camp
Grace Church Virginia
April
llth AD, 1863
Dear
Bro
I seat
myself to-day to drop you a few lines, which leaves me enjoying very good
health, and the health of this Regt is also good
We returned
from our Pickett post on the Rapphahanock, on the evening of the 9th inst, all
is quiet down there at present. When we
first got there on the 4th ult. we spoke across the Stream to the yankees as we
have usually done before, but we soon found out that they would rather remain
Silent. We ask them the reason they
would not talk, they said they were under posative orders not to Speak to us
under any consideration. I think that if this is the case fighting Joe Hooker
must have in operation Some Straygetic
move, or as McClellan terms it a change of base be this as it will we are ready
for him to make his appearance here at any moment that suits himself. Capt. Rowe & Bill English arrived here
on the 9th
Bill
English looks as well I believe as I ever saw him. He left yankeedom a little over one week ago, and says that he
was treated very kindly by the citizens of Maryland.
I
received a letter from Bro John about two days ago, Stating that he was then at
home, and enjoying himself quite well, as he had found all the young ladies in
fine spirits and as pretty as ever He said that he did not know my notions, but
as for himself he prefered not to live the life of a bachelor, Should he get
safely through the war. Jack also wrote
that you was then out trying to get a sub for me. I wrote you a letter a short time ago expressing my doubts, as to
having one received as Col. Lightfoot had issued an order that he would not
take any more. If you have one for me,
and can get the Surgeon in charge of Camps Watts to certify to his ability for
active field Service, I think that I can have him received. So if you have one bring or send him on, and
I will soon find out.
I had
rather you would sell my land if you can in preference to the Negroes.
I will
close for the present. You must write
soon to your
Affectionate
Bro
G W
Ross