1862 December 15 across the Rappahannock

Across the River Dec 15th 1862
Dear Father I received yours of Dec 7th last night also one from
Ellen dated Nov 7th but I take this opportunity to write to you first
knowing how anxious you will be to hear from me being as I am under the
enemies guns & having been under their fire for three days in the Front & have
not been relieved yet I do not know how it is but we are in the centre & the rest of
the Corps is on the left where our Folks drove the enemy two miles but on the right
General Sumner had it hard but did not lose an inch I think that our Folks are
in earnest the troops have not all been in the Front yet I would answer some of
your questions but you see how I am situated so I will close this by saying that
I have A plenty of clothing and have a good shelter tents do not worry about me
n that account give my love to Mother & to Edwards & Georges wives & Johny & just
tell Johny how I am situated as he thinks it kind of strange that I do not write
From you Truely & affectionate Son Joseph Leavitt
P.S. I received A letter from you & enclosed was one from Aunt Eliza tell Unkle
Joseph that I do not think that he would like any of the Farms out here now
I also saw Daniel Shaw four days ago & he was nicely.

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

MSS 66