March 15, 1862 [Wednesday]. Fairfax Court House, Virginia.
My Dear Father and Mother:
We moved out onto the sacred soil on the 10th. Started out from Washington about 2 o’clock P.M.; marched about four or five miles and encamped in a low bushy wood. We have no tents pitched and had to sleep on the ground with one gutta percha and one woolen blanket for a bed, and one woolen blanket and an overcoat for covering.
I had command of the Rear Guard all day and was very tired. But it was so very cold and wet and there was so many drunken soldiers and teamsters that I couldn’t sleep.
Reveille beat off about 4 o’clock A.M. When we got up, those at least that were lying down, and had breakfast consisting of cold ham, crackers, and coffee with no milk. We have a nice set of tin ware, including spoons, knives, and forks, etc. After we got our breakfast, we packed up the wagons, and started about sun up for Fairfax.
We expected to camp here all night and move up to Centerville. But when we got here, we learned that Manassas had been evacuated and was occupied by General McDowell. And of course we halted and have been here since yesterday evening. We received orders to march to Alexandria today. The Quartermaster, with one of our wagons, is in Washington and we are waiting impatiently for his return.
I am acting Battalion Adjutant and have a horse to ride, which, if I am on the sacred soil, I’d rather ride than walk.
It is very uncomfortable in camp today. It is raining very hard and has been raining moderately all day. I am sitting on a camp stool in a small tent writing on a small fine table. My adjutant books and desk are on my left, my saddle, bridle etc., are on my right, with the surgeon behind me lying in a small cot, trying to sleep off the blues. The table furniture consists of one bottle of ink, sheets of paper, pipe, dirty collar, necktie, a tooth brush, broken padlock, and sword belt and sash, besides a revolver.
General Smith’s division passed this morning on their way to Alexandria. I think it is estimated that at least fifty thousand men have been sent there.
I had three Rebel Prisoners turned over to me the last time I was Officer of the Day. One was a Louisianan and the other two were Virginians. The Louisianan was dressed in a gray cotton uniform with a blue cap. The others had no uniforms on. We have three more in camp to day; 2 more Virginians and another Louisianan. Neither of them have a uniform on.
General McClelland’s headquarters have been, until today, within two hundred yards of us. But this morning, at 5 o’clock, he moved off toward Alexandria.
We have two companies from the 17th Infantry here. One is commanded by Capt. J. P. Wales of Delaware.
Please write me direct to Washington, D. C., Head Quarters Battalion, 8th Infantry.
Your affectionate son, W.J.F.
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