August 5th 1862 [Tuesday]. Camp near Harrison’s Landing, VA
My Dear Mother:
I received yours of the 30th ultimo, last night. I should have written home before last week but I was sick and could not write but I am almost well now.
A few nights ago the enemy set a couple of batteries up on the opposite side of the River and tried to shell us a lot but found us well prepared and after firing for about three hours and killing some ten or twelve men, left for a more congenial clime.
When I awoke this morning, I could hear heavy firing on our left which still continues at 8 o’clock. I understand it’s Hooker who attacked the enemy this morning and is driving them back for the cannonading is growing fainter every moment; which is a sure indication that the enemy are retreating. We have another skirmish and two or three Iron Clad Gun Boats lying into the River but I don’t think they will be able to escape or do as much damage.
I hope that General McClellan will receive reinforcements enough to be able to push on to Richmond before the fall. If he does not I think it will be evacuated rather than stand bombardment.
I am really getting very tired of this kind of life. Sometimes I think, that as soon as I can, I’ll resign and go to doing something else that will suit me better, but I suppose its all little fancies of my mind while being wishful.
I should like to go home a few days to see you all and also to get some fruit for I haven’t seen any kind of fruit with the exception of half eaten peaches which were brought from Washington. I suppose you have plenty of apples and pears.
I have nothing else to write at present.
Give my love to all the family
Please write soon. Your affectionate son. W .J. Fisher
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