1862 July 6 Camp Carlile Va

                Camp Carlile Va.
                   J uly 6th 1862

Dear Sisters
               With the great
est of pleasure, I reply to
your letters which came
to hand a few days before
I left Camp Butler.  I am
well and enjoying myself
very well.  to-day is Sunday
and I have been out hunting
two deserters all-day.  It is now
three oclock and very warm.
We are camped on an island
of the Ohio river and hence
it is very cold in evenings
but the sun comes out about
ten oclock in mornings
and shines very  hot all
day.  We shall leave here on

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to-morrow after-noon
Our destination is un-
known to us--probably
some-where in McClellan's
department.  I fancy that
we shall "smell" powder soon.
All right, Hank is ready
for anything, but guard-
ing prisoners Did you
hear my report regarding
the 12th being captured by
the Rebels?  I understand that
it has been published n
the Chicago that  were
captured by the Rebels
20 miles from here.
The Report is false and you
must not believe any
of the reports until you
know them to be true.
This is a very pleasant camp
and we have plenty of water
and it is good water.

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Harvest is nearly over here
and the crops are good
yet the country is so rough
and hilly that I do not see
any such fields of grain
as in Ills.  I have not re
ceived my pay yet, but
probably will soon and will
send it to you to Lanark
as before. I will let you know
when I send it  I haven't
yet seen any of the ruins of
the rebellion but have hopes
to soon.  Dear Sisters you
must not fret and worry
your minds about me for
remember that if I should
fall upon the battle-field
and not be permitted
to see you again in this
world that it is in a
good cause and with a
willing heart.  I will be

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true to the oath that I
have taken and my back
shall never be turned to
the enemy, without officers
from my commanding
officers I do not go into the
enemie's country with hatred
and envy in my heart but am
urged on by a realization
of my duty to country and
love for my home and friends
May the God Lord bless the
nation with a speedy res-
toration of peace and harmony.
I want you both to look to
your own self interest and
never forget that a good char-
acter, is worthy of all commen
dation girls I must bid you
Good Bye.  You have my best
wishes as a brother.  I will
write again when we have again
settled down in Camp.
Write often and soon.  Post
your letters via Springfield Ills
Dont forget to designate the Regiment
distinctly
                Your loving brother Hank
Do write soon

Wiliam Henry Redman, Captain, Co. C, 12th Illinois Cavalry

MSS 7415