1862 Dec. 11th Harpers Ferry, Va.

Harpers Ferry Va.
Dec 11th /62

Dear Mother,
I hasten
to drop you a few
lines to let you know
where I am and that
we are on the march
for Burnsides Army
We are to be the rear
guard. Of all the re-
inforcements which are
now leaving here.-40
thousand or more.
We left Williamsport
night before last, at
night-fall and arrived
here yesterday morning
at day-break.  It was
a very cold-night and
the ground was very slippery.

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Our horses being very
smoothly shod, we
had a great deal of
trouble in crossing
the Maryland Heights
We are going to have
some difficulty in
reaching Burnsides, as
We have not time to
get our horses shod
But you know Hank
always looks out for
No.one.  I went this
morning to have my
horse shod.  I had
to go before day-light
and then there were
some a-head of me.
but I am all-right
now.  I  have a good
horse and hes[sic] is rough
shod this morning.  I have
a Sabre or Sword, a Carbine
and a Navy revolver  I
am fully prepared to meet
the Enemy and I will make
good use of the means put
in my hands.  Death to traitors.

[letter of William Henry Redman of Co. C, 12th Illinois Cavalry, either ends abruptly here or the remainder is missing]

MSS 7415