Describes skirmishes with the Confederates
Author
Recipient
Date Written
Nov. 16, 1863
History Referenced
Francis H. Lincoln was 25 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Isaac H. Lutz, was 24 when it was received.
It was written 159 years, 10 months, 19 days ago.
It was a Monday.
Camp near Kelly's Ford Va.
November 16th 1863
Dear Teddy,
Your few lines dated August the 30th I received in due time and this is the first time I could content myself enough to answer you.
Since that time we have moved around at a pretty lively gait. We have had several foot and horse races with the Reb. Army from the south side of the Rappahannock to Fairfax via Brisstoe Station, Broad Run and Centreville. We always come in first except in our last return heat when the Johnnys got in a head of us but we was going so fast at Rappahannock Station that some of the Rebs had to go overboard to make way for us A La Shepherdstown. Of course we took all that was at stake. The jar was so great that it drove the Rebs clear to the Rapidan where all the sensible ones have staid ever since.
Some four hundred of their party tried a game with our boys yesterday and they all won through tickets for Washington. You boy. "The Militia" I mean, complained of having nothing to eat. If it had been in Virginia I should not have been surprised, for there is nothing here to eat except government food but in Maryland or Pennsylvania the Army of the Potomac lived first-class without our rations.
Ever since our fall back from Culpepper we have had to carry eight days rations and we have been marching almost constant. The boys don't seem to mind the load or the marching eather. They have actualy got used to it. I expect we will go into our winter quarters in about another month, then we will have more time to ourselves. I wish you whould let me know what Regiment Harvy Lehman is in if any.
Give my respects to all the boys. Hopeing to hear from you soon.
I remain yours as Ever
Francis H. Lincoln
Co. E. 118th Regt. P.V.
To Mr. Isaac H. Lutz
Scans of Letter
