Camp near Mechanicsville, Va.
July 30, 1862
Friend Will [William McCauley]
I suppose you have been looking for a reply from me for some time. But this is the earliest opportunity since the reception of your letter. Although dated May the 22nd, it did not arrive till a few days since. We had been looking for a letter from you for a long time, and wondered why you did not write to us. But we are satisfied since the arrival of your letter that you wrote in due time. I have nothing of interest to write to you now, I have to resort to my old song, of moving about, performing toilsome marches, and of the hardships of camp life in general, all of which you are doubtless well acquainted with. I rejoined the Reg. in the Valley and we have had but few days for recreation since. It has gotten to be a very common thing to receive orders to cook up 2 days rations and be ready to leave at daylight. Our trip to Richmond was a very laborious one, having had to perform the most of the trip on foot. As soon as we had arrived within 6 or 7 miles of Richmond, the miseries of battles commenced there, and during our stay, we were going almost continually something night and day. After the fighting was over we remained incamped there a few days and were ordered to this place. Since we came from Richmond, we have moved 4 different times. Once we moved out as we supposed, to meet the Yankees, who were said to be advancing within a few miles of Orange C.H. But when we had gone within a few miles of that place, we received intelligence that the Yankees were leaving. We were then ordered to camp again. It may not be long before we have an engagement near this place. I know not where the enemy is, whether near here or not, but troop[s] seem to be concentrating to t his place. I believe Gen. Hill's and Whiting's Divisions have lately arrived here. Our Division is very much wearied and exhausted. I think it would be altogether wise and prudent to let us rest a few days and recruit up.
It may be possible that you are looking for a faint description of the conduct and movements of our army on the plains before Richmond. But knowing that you have long since received information through the press or some of your friends I feel that a repetition will but weary you.
It is enough to say that we repulsed the enemy at each engagement and were successful in gaining possession of the field, and finally drove them back and compelled them to seek refuge beneath their iron clad boats. Our Brigade was not in actual engagement, but exposed to a great deal of firing. We were ordered on the field on Friday the 27th, but before we got within shooting distance of the Yankees they fled from the field. Our brigade then encamped on the battle field amid the groans of the wounded and dying Yankees.
The following morning was the most trying of all. When daylight dawned and we we were ordered away and wended our course through the bloody field, was a scene the most shocking to humanity. A scene inconceivable by the human mind without the sense of sight. I hope I may never see another. But enough of this.
Our Company has reduced very much since our recruits joined us. Very few of our recruits are with us now. They are scattered in almost every direction. Some at the hospitals, some at home and some dead and some absent without leave. When were were in the Valley at one time, our co. numbered 115. Now only 47 men are reported for duty. 34 are absent sick and about 12 absent without leave. the most of these absentees are composed of our recruits. Our old mess are all well and would be pleased to see you all well and would be pleased to see you down on a visit soon. Can't you come? They all join in sending you their love and respects. I want you to write to me as soon as this arrives. Excuse this badly written letter for I was compelled to write it in haste.
Your true Friend,
J. P. Houtz
James Philip Houtz, Co. E of the 42 Virginia (Dixie Grays)
MSS 14953
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