Oct 22nd 1861 [Tuesday]. Washington, D.C.
Dear father:
Yours and George’s of 19th was received a few moments ago, and as I have nothing to do, and it’s raining so hard that I can’t go out, I will answer your inquiries at once.
The Washington news is no news at all. We have reports almost every day of battles and skirmishes just beyond the river [Potomac], night before last. The train didn’t get in at the usual time and it was surmised that Beauregard had crossed over into Maryland, tore up the Rail Road and had defeated Banks and had possession of Baltimore. But of course it was all false.
Our forces made an advance yesterday. Gen. Stone and Colonel Baker was killed, this is true.
About the fleet that was reported out up at New Orleans is all a humbug. It was taken from Southern papers in the first place.
The Tenth came in from Utah and arrived here, night before last. I’m expecting an order to join it.
All the officers here are getting ready to go into camp.
George says he has received three letters from you since you have been in Washington. I think this is the fifth one I have written. I wrote one on Sunday last and also one to Fred Callaway.
George says Bill Hinson enlisted and then they refused him on account of his size. That was wrong. I’ve seen boys acting as drummers here, not over 10 years of age. They ought to have made him a drummer.
Who is it that’s raising a company; George Lovell?
I expect I tire you of reading so many letters, but when I’m out of a job, I generally write.
Give my love to all and write soon. Your son, W. J. Fisher
PS I expect we will go into Virginia this week or early next.
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