1862 April 12 Catlett Station, Va.

Catlett Station Va. April 12th/1862

Dear parents

I have a few moments to write
and I thought I would improve the time
I saw Alonzo yesterday it was quite lucky
for me for he was just returning to his
camp when I met him on the rail road I
had been to head quarters with Mr. Catlett
he was obliged to have a guard with him
whenever he went out away from his house
Last night about 4 oclock the guard was
all called into camp patrolls guards were
sent out to bring in all the men that were
strolling around and about 8 oclock we
got orders to march but to our surprise we
were ordered back to Alexandria. I did not
feel fit to march so I reported myself to the
doctor and I was left here with the hospital
steward and 10 other men from our regt. we are
to stop here for the cars to carry us to Alexandria
The news of the great battle near Corinth Miss
and of the capture of island No. 10 has reached us

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with the news of the death of A. S. Johnson
the rebel Gen. and Beauregard lost one
arm in the battle I suppose you have heard
the particulars ere this so I can write no news
about it. Our Regt. started this morning about
6 Oclock for Alexandria on foot we are still
waiting for the train to come along.

[letter of Hiram of the 5th Maine will continue on April 13]

MSS 12916