1862 HQ Caseys Division Prospect Hill Va

                           HQ Caseys Division
                               Prospect Hll Va
                                    Tues June 24 1862

Mrs Edward Shephard
Your letter came
duly to hand, and as your husband
was busily engaged n performing the
duties of a laundress, he wished me
to write a few lines to you in
return in which I am pleased to
to say that we are getting along
as well as can be expected under
the circumstances.  It would be
somewhat a novel sight for some
of the ladies in Glenham, to see
how well the general routines of
household duties are performed by
some of us here, and I assure

[page 2]
you that Edward is not behind in
adding the sund4ry little fixtures to
our frugal repast.  We have been
encamped here nearly three weeks
during which time we have have[sic]
been permitted to ramble about in
the woods, and by the brooks providing
we did not go to far.  we enjoyed it
much, it has been pleasant weather
for some time, although pretty warm
Last night we experienced a most
terrific thunder storm.  the rain fell
in torrents leaking through our tents
sufficient to warn us that the
canvass was not waterproof.
      I think that an attact will be
made soon upon Richmond, and I
sincerely hope that the union army
will meet with success in bringing
the rebellion to a speedy close and
that those that are spared may be
restored to their friends, to life[sic]

[page3]
in peace beneith [sic] the folds of that
flag for which they have left home
and friends to defend.  Edward wishes
William Bernett to get him 4 Linerich[?]
fish hooks, and 2 eel hooks not to large.
Write as soon as you rec this and
enclose them in your letter.
  Enclosed you will find ten dollars
if you receive this I will send
$10 more in my next or less.
   Take good care of the boy.  Remember
me to friends and I remain
                       With Respect
                         W. H. Knapp

Mr. & Mrs Edward Shephard

[page 4]
P.S.  Genl McLellan has
greatly changed his oppinion
since the late Battle in regard
to Caseys Division, the first
report came out by the jelousy
of other officers, but since
then it has all been corrected.
The next money Edward sends
home will be forwarded by
Express if we are near an
Office.  Tell Father & Mother
that they must write to me
as often as possible, and not\to worry as I think I will get out of this all right yet.
   Write Soon

           Edward Shephard
           Will H Knapp
Excuse bad writing
in Haste

 Knapp and Shephard were both privates in the 7th Independent Battery, New York Light Artillery



MSS 12631