1862 September 6 Balls Bluff

[letter of Andrew J. Gillespie, of Ancell's Co., Virginia Light Artillery, to his wife Susan, begun on the 5th, continues]

[page 3]
Sat morning Sep the 6 our army comest [commenced?]
crossing the Potomace yesterday and heard
the shouts when they got on the soil of
Maryland they forded about a mile
above Balls Bluff I cant tell when we
will cross it may bee some time or we
may bee sent to gard some point on the
river above here but the fact is we cant
teel where we will go So you must try and
contented as u can for I dont know when
I will get a chance to send you a letter
again but I shall try to take care of my
selfe the best I can we have left the
Bluff and come Back to camp one
mile north west of Leesburg we firred
about a hundred rounds at Boats on
the Chesapeak and Ohio canal
that is all the fighting we have done
and that stoped all passing of Boats
this is a fine country here

[page 4]
you must make your own arrangem
ents as I will have no chance to advise
until we get  the mail in opperation
from the army back cheer up and
dont dispair of seeing me again for I
have strong hopes of seeing you all once
more I herd a Lady say this morning
on the street as a Brigade was passing
oh when they get over in Maryland
they will get good clean clothes the Ladys
cheered and welcomed the soldiers as
they pass through the town of Leesburg
I hope Nathan  is at home as all in our county
have bin discharged you all must doo the best
you can in my absence I hope the Lord will
protect and sheald you from all harm
Nothing more But remain your cincere
and devoted husband A. J. Gillespie
Let D   [Perrys?] wife know that he is well
and  [remainder of line obliterated by fold and holes in paper]
I hope I will get a chance to send letter
before long give my love to all

MSS 9564