1862 September 27 near Clear Springs

   Field of Action near Clear Springs
                       Friday Sep 27th 1862

Dear Brothers
                           I have a little leis-
ure time this morning and I thought
that I could not put it to any better
use than in writing you a few
lines.  As yet, I am well, and
we are haveing a little easier time
just now than usual. The tide
of battle has for the moment
subsided and we soldiers are
having another rest--
Our regiment is now scattered
along the banks of the Potomac
doing picket-duty The Rebels
occupy one side of the river and
we the other.  We often talk across
to each other I do not think it
will be long until we make an
other advance upon Virginia Soil
We were for several days kept
in rear of the Army but now
we have been moved to the front

[page 2]
I do not care where they keep
us whether in front or rear
As long as Uncle Sam gives us  as
enough to eat and good
horses to ride, we are ready
and willing to do him Service
any where. We have become
so accustomed to sleeping out
of doors, that all we need to
ensure us a good nights sleep
is to have a blankets to wrap
about our bodys and our sad-
dles to lay our heads upon
We have no tents, but hope to get
them soon and it will be much
better then.  I have me another
over coat, and you may tell fath
er to use that one at home.
I got t his one at Harpers Ferry and
it is a verry large good one just
like that one at home.  I will
make Father a present of that
one at home.  this will last
me til the war is over and then
I would never want to see one again.

[page 3]
Well boys I suppose that
you are having good times
that is right Hank will
have good times someday too
& hope this war will end soon
and I get to see you again
You boys must fix up your
fall work do all your fall
plowing soon, Save your seed
corn take care of all you small
grain, build up your staples
make them [?]  Save plen-
ty of hay and be ready to
commence picking corn [hole in paper]
so that you can get it all [hole in paper]
to the mill before snow comes.
Do up our work as men
should do, and dont forget
to do it yourselves and not
call on father to do so much
after you get your work done
then go to School and by all means
dont forget what you are going
there for.  Remember it is "to study"
and make men of yourselves.


[page 4]
as well to gain a great deal
of self [?]ion on your part
to make yourselves useful in the
world. Ah, Boys if you would
be useful men you must
make good use of your school
day life and not let a moment
of early life go to waste.
   all the boys that were taken pris
      at Harpers Ferry
oner ^ have gone home.  About
20 of our Co were taken and
we have now abut 61 men in the
company and 332 men in our
regiment. the 8th Ills. cavalry
has but 600 men Well boys I
must close  Give my love to
all the folks and love to all
the School-marms.  Dont forget
to write to me Son and tell me
all the news.  I need some postage
stamps I have recd no letters from
you for a long time  direct via
Clear springs 12th Ills Cav. Co C.
5 Division of McClellans Army
  As ever your Affectionat Brother
                  W. H. Redman

MSS 7415