Feb. 20th, 1863 [Friday]. Camp, near Falmouth, Va.
Dear Father:
I got a letter from you a few days ago but, until this, have not had an opportunity of answering it. I also got one from Will Callaway at the same time. I have written to Sis several times but, as yet, have received no answer.
Last Sunday morning I went out on Pickett duty. When I left camp it was raining very hard and continued to rain until nearly dark when it slacked up and in about an hour the stars were shining bright. I then thought that I should have a very pleasant tour of it and so I had until next night when it began to snow and continued to snow until the next evening it then cleared off partly. But after about one hour the rain began again and continues until I got into camp the next day. Out of about eighty-four hours on Pickett, I had twelve of clear weather.
I went over to see Captain Layton a few days ago. He has just returned from five days leave but, his time was so short, that he got no further than Washington. He told me the son of John Hazzard had been appointed 2nd Lieutenant in his company. The son of E G. Bradford is also in his Brigade.
I hear that an effort is going to be made to increase the Cavalry force, if they succeed, I shall make an effort to get into the Cavalry with the rank of First Lieutenant. I hardly think I should be able to succeed but you know there is nothing like trying. I think if nothing happens I shall become 1st Lt. of Infantry within a year at least.
About writing an account of what I did in the Peninsular Campaign; I hardly remember what to do. All that will be of any interest to you, I can tell in a few words.
When I left Washington, I was Adjutant of General McClellan’s body guard, under Maj. Willard of the 8th US Infantry. When we went to the Peninsula, I joined my own Regt. and was made Provost Marshall there. I served in that capacity until the Battle of Gaine’s Mills when I was acting 1st Lt. of A Company and Malvern Hill the same. At Harrison’s Landing was attached to the 2nd US Infantry and put in command of Co. A, which I commanded at Bull Run and Antietam although I was not in the hottest part of the fight at the last place. After we came to this camp I was again ordered to join my Regiment where I was put in Co. I of the 10th US Infantry which I command at present.
What do you think of enlisting Negroes? What will they be good for? How would you like a big thick lipped greasy nigger with a Captain’s shoulder straps on, come up to you and order you? Well I say, “Git out of my way Suh.” “Move your company or I’ll put you in arrest you white trash.” I hope it will be then unwise but can hardly expect it.
Don’t you think it would be a good speculation to go to Mexico now and offer my services to the Mexican Commander in Chief, not that I think of doing it, but one officer who did do it, and he was made a Col., And killed the same day.
I know of one officer who had accepted a commission of Contraband Volunteers.
As to getting a pass to this army you might do it by going to the Sec. of War. But I hardly think he would give you a pass except to get the dead body of a son which you may have to do some day but I forgot to tell you that we are again on Provost Duty and Minnie bullets don’t kill Provost Marshals. I wish you would write oftener. In your next tell Sis to write also.
Give my love to all, Your Son, W. J. Fisher
William Fisher Letter Home
William Fisher Letter Home
William Fisher Letter Home
