1862 August 9 Camp near Harrison's Landing

Camp Near Harrisons landing Va  August 9th 1862

Dear Brother--yours of August 7 came to hand this morning and
I hasten to answer, I dont know of any news that I can write but will try
to make this letter interesting, we are beginning to have A little rest now but will try
how long it will last it is impossible to say something is to be done soon if I
am not very much mistaken, if I can read the signs, I would say this army
Army [sic[ at least a large portion of it will not remain here long, Cavelry & Artilery are move
ing off in small squads every day but where they are going I cant say, since the
Rebels shelled the shipping the other night our troops have  occupied the opposite
side of the River & every day large numbers go on to fell Trees Y build Forts what
this means unless it means an attact on Petersburgh & Fort darling I dont know
Burnsides has again made one of his misterious moves, we shall proberly hear
from him soon. Pope is preparing for something, I shall not be surprised to find
that all three armies are moveing on Richmond in different directions as soo as
the new Troops enter the Field the move will be made I hope now things will move
little more lively, I hope we have seen the last of humbug & mismanagement
it is now quite time that this Rebelion was Crushed there has been to much
Fooling we have played war long enough & now must fight in earnest the
Government begins now to see this you say that the Regiments in Maine are
filling up fast, I am glad to hear it, the tenth New York which belongs
to our brigade & have just been paid off is one of the best in the service but
like all the rest when paid off will gamble you would be astonished to see
the money change hands Just after pay day nothing but gambling from
morning untill night--Thank God I am not inclined that way.  I
notice what you say about Cxxx  I am surprised to learn that he has
conducted as you say Glad Edward was in time to stop him I hope that
Edward will get well and have A little peace he has been woried long
enough Joseph was over here three days ago in good health Joseph
thinks that Col Jackson & Genl McClellan wonderful men about
Col Jackson I know nothing, only his men speak well of him you know
what my opinion of Genl McClellan is I hope he will do something
to get his name up I shall have to close as it is getting time for dress
parade will write you again soon from your Brother
                                                           George

[letters of George Leavitt of the 5th New York and his brother Joseph of the 5th Maine were copied in a ledger by their father John in the fall of 1865 as a remembrance of his sons, both of whom died in the war, George at 2nd Bull Run and Joseph at Spotsylvania]

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