“We have been on the move now for about 4 weeks and have had a pretty hard time of it”

Camp Near Warrington Junction

[Saturday,] October 31, 1863

Dear Clara,

I write to you today from another new Camp. We have not got through marching yet and I cannot tell when we shall be. We have been on the move now about 4 weeks and have had a pretty hard time of it. For a great wonder, my health is good, for I have been marching almost without any shoes. That is, they have been open so the water could run into them at every step and I have had wet feet most all the time. But last night I got a new pair, so today my feet feels quite comfortable, but it is very nasty and rainy here.

Today we are to be mustered for four months pay, but I suppose it will be some time before we get it, perhaps 3 or 4 weeks. I would like you to write how much money you have got for I think you must be most out, and if Dagwell offers you any you had better take it for you may need it. I have got a little yet. I brought ten cents down with me when I came to the Regt. and since I have been here I made a picture to send to you and was offered 50 cents for it and sold it, so I will make another and send to you as soon as we get settled.

Once more our new uniform has come to day, that is for the men that has lately joined our Regt. We have had Conscripts come here 3 times since I have been here and we have now about 250 of them altogether and more coming. We will soon have a big Regt. again. The 146 is getting a great name in the army of the Potomac, but we never hear anything spoke about it at home. I don’t believe a better class of men ever left the State and yet there is no praise for them. The old General, that is Garrard, is looked upon with pride by the whole Brigade and the Boys in the Regt. feel very sorry that they lost him for a Col. It is not as it used to be. The Boys all hated him when we first came out but now they all love him as a father.

I have been looking for a letter from you for a couple of days but don’t get any. I wish you could send me a couple of postage stamps, for it is impossible for to get them here.

There is not much news to write so I can not tell you much. We have been expecting to have a big fight for 3 weeks past but so far we have kept clear of it, except we had quite a battle at Bristow Station. We double quick it on to the field and got there just as the Battle ended. The Rebels lost about 500 in killed and wounded, ours not near as much. I thank God with all my heart that we have been very lucky so far, but there is a long time to come yet. I wish I could see the end of it.

Dear Clara, you must not think I have forgotten you by not writing oftener to you, for the only reason has been I could not send it if I had. Keep up good courage. Take good care of yourself and little ones and give my love to all. I hope to hear from you soon. God bless you all. Kiss Ida and Willie for me.

From your husband until death with much love,

Sergt. P. L. Dumont