1861 November 1 Camp near McLean's Ford

My Dear Creek

I have been looking for a letter from you by
Dr. Brown for two days past; but as he has not yet arrived
and our Regiment has to start out on Picket duty in the
morning I thought I would write you, as I will not have
another opportunity of doing so in four or five days.
I am afraid we are going to have a bad time of it again it is
raining very hard now and also very cold, our Regiment seems
to have very bad luck in this respect, as it has rained every time
we have been in the outposts, and the cold weather being
coupeled with the rain makes it doubly disagreeable, but
it is a duty that has to be performed, and we are no worse of than
a great many more of our Fellow Soldiers, I feel the good
of the nice warm under clothing you sent me, when on such
duty, I wish all of our men were as well provided for, I hope
the most of my company will be when Dr Brown returns,
Their is nothing of interest astir in the camp at present
except the daily routine of duties, flying reports of Battles
fought, and to be fought, are very rife but altogether
unreliable, although it is now or seems to be the fixed opinion
of our Generals that a great battle is close at hand, but up
to this time no further demonstration has been made by the
enemy at this Point, there is no yankee troops within 15 miles
of this place, I think now that if we could get them out

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now and give them another good whipping (which we are
certain to do should they come) the chances would be very
good for our getting back to South Carolina for the winter
but unless this is done I think our chances very slight.
Oh wouldnt it be great news to all of us to hear an order for us
to go home to our own state for the winter, I for one would feel
so happy. But I believe this happiness not improbable should
our ends be accomplished in fact our Brigadier General told
me this confidentialy today besides a great deal more, which
I am not even at liberty to tell you, so I hope you will keep this
to yourself as things come back to camp like wildfire, and you
know it would not do for me to betray his confidence although the
matter is of small importance.
How is out darling little Maggie has her arm got well yet; I do hope
she has not received any serious injury. How I would like to be
with you both again,but I am almost afraid to come unless I
could stay altogether. I know that it will be hard for me to tear
myself away from you again, but our cou[n]try requires brave hearts
and strong arms to conquer our independence, and fate has
decreed that I should be one of that glorious band, therefore let us
bow in submission to the will of an all wise providence who
ordereth all things for the best, and our future life will only
be the more happy, after having passed through so severe a trial.
Kiss our little darling for me and tell her papa often thinks
of her, and loves his dear little pet, William is well, we are very
anxious to hear more of Jimmie, whether he has ever reached
home, should he come tell him to write me right away and give me all
the particulars. Good night Dear Creek, May holy Angles[sic] waft you
the sincere love of your Devoted Husband
William

William Anderson Captain Co. J, 4th Regiment South Carolina Volunteers (Palmetto Sharpshooters)

MSS 10366