1862 December 14 Fairfax County

[on patriotic stationery depicting a vignette of George Washington titled "A SOUTHERN MAN!  WITH UNION PRINCIPLES]
          Sunday
     Fairfax Courthouse Va
                    Dec 14th/62
Dear Mother        14th 62
                            We left
Harpers ferry on the evening
of the 12th and have just
arrived here.  We have had
some fun with the Rebbs
on our way but have had
 no very serious engagements.
 I will tell you the way
we came and where we
were attacked, and you
can refer to the map. 
We came through the

[page 2]
following places; -viz. Hillsbor-
ough, Wheatland and
Leesburg.  We were
          in our rear
attacked ^ last night near
dark by about 300
guerillas.  We killed
several of their men
and lost four of boyss. 
One of ours was killed
and 3 taken prisoners.
We had to abandon
two or three of our
waggons.  I captured
me a revolver worth
30 dollars.  Company
C is always the rear
guard and generally
has some fun if
there is any at all. 
Mother, you may
expect to hear some
things big, before long

 [page 3]
from these parts. 
Sigel has just gone
from here with his
Army and now we
numberings about 40
thousand are follow-
ing on.  I shall write
you as often as I can
and one letter must
do you all for I have
not time to write so
many.  I almost forgot
to tell you I am wri
ting this letter in
the So much noted
fairfax Court house.
I am well and go
willing and ready
to meet the Enemy.  Mother
I shall have to big-sic] you
good bye for this time
for I am in a hurry. 

[page 4]
Write soon and of
ten and tell me wheth
er you get my letters. 
I am, your loving
son, W. H. Redman

Direct via Washington,
                           D.C.
           12th Ills. Cav. Com C
                           W.H.R.

MSS 7415