“This morning when we got up we found 2 balloons up over Fredericksburg”

Camp near Potomac Creek VA

Friday, April 17, 1863

Dearest Clara,

I am well and hope these few lines will find you all the same at home. We did not move as we expected to on the account of a heavy rainstorm. We have been paid off and I will send you 40 dollars in allotment money and I will send you six more in the next letter if God spares me to send one.

By the looks of things here I shouldn’t wonder if we went across the river again. This morning when we got up we found 2 balloons up over Fredericksburg, our folks looking for a strike somewhere. But Dearest Clara I can’t write any more at present so I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain,

Your ever faithful husband,

God protect you all,

Sergt. Peter L. Dumont

P.S. I will write more news next time.