Sept 22nd, 1862 [Monday]. Camp near Shepherdstown Ford, Md.
My Dear Father:
Since leaving Halls Hill near Washington, I haven’t had but one chance to write and I didn’t take advantage of that because I was very unwell at the time.
The day after I wrote to you from Halls Hill, our Division was moved over the River to Tannelly Town, a little place about three miles from Georgetown, D. C. I, being sick, was put in an ambulance. Our ambulance, instead of following the Regt. Got mixed up in another train and I was carried to a Hospital near Alexandria. Of course I didn’t want to go in a Hospital so I got in anther ambulance and went into Alexandria. There I got on the boat and went across to Washington and went to Willard’s Hotel and was taken with a serious chill. I got a room and went to bed.
I staid in Washington until the next day. At 10 o’clock, I got a carriage and joined my Regt., which was then at Rockville, about twenty miles from the Capital. The day after I rejoined the Regt., which had moved for Frederick, which was at that time occupied by Rebels.
Frederick is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen. It is about twice the size of Milford and the best of it is that nearly all the inhabitants are strong Union people. Well we staid here one night and next day moved to a South Mountain Pass where McClellan gave the Rebels one of the soundest whippings that they ever received.
When we passed, the road was completely filled with dead Rebels. Men and Officers were piled on one another lying in every way; some on their back, some on their faces. Some were lying on the fence (it was a stone fence) where they were shot while getting over. Old men of sixty and boys of twelve were piled on one another. I never saw such a sight in my life and I hope I may never see such a one again. Two days after, we met them again at Sharpsburg where they were completely [illegible] out and driven across the river. This is badly blotted but I am in a hurry and haven’t time to write another so please excuse it. What do you think of McClellan and what does that contemptible [illegible] think of him?
The man is all ready to start, so I must close.
I am well and please write soon. My love to all.
Your son, WJ Fisher
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