1862 December 19 Camp near Port Royal Va

Camp near Port Royal Va
Decr 19th 1862

Dear Mother
Your letter was received yes-
terday, and was gladly perused, assuring
me as it did of your well being, and
continued interest in our welfare.
Though the weather of late has
been very severe, we have not sur-
fered as much as you would sup-
pose.  Even though we  have not
our tents with us we can quick
ly erect a brush shelter, which
with a big log fire before it, keeps
us comfortable.
Our Regt was not actively en-
gaged in the late battle, as we
were at the time picqueting below
Fredbg.  The day after the fight
James & myself rode up to the battle
field of the day before.  We had
gained a great victory over our
enimies--one which I hope will
be instrumental indirectly in
bringing about an early peace.
A gentleman just from Genl

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Stuart's Hdqrs told me yesterday
that the enimy's loss was there
estimated at from 15000 to 17000.
  Only day before yesterday
I heard a Yankee halloo accross
the river to one of our picquets
"You rebels gave us [goos?] at
Fredericksburg, but we have taken
'Fort Darling' and will yet
eat our Christmas dinner
in Rd--Deluded fools.
For the last week I have
felt uncommonly cheerful
in regard to peace--more
as, in fact, than I have felt
since the war.  God grant
that my presentiment may
be realized!
  this morning I took off the
clothes I put on in R. & put
on those Aunt Judy wash-
ed for me.  I took a glorious

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wash in warm water.
I thank you for offering
to make me flannel drawers
I do not need any more
garments now.
  Dic Alford got a letter I
wrote him in regard to "Old Tom
and some honey?  I [wrote?] an
answer.
  I commenced a letter to
Brother George the other
day, but was interrupted be
for 'twas finished. In the
Cavalry service, I do not
have the same opportunity
to write I had before. Yet
all things considered it is
an infinitely preferable
branch of service.  I saw
Gen. Jackson Tuesday-He is
much changed since I first [saw]

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him at Winchester.
Tell Mary I am now wearing
her shirt front.  It is very
pretty.
I am gong to be vaccinated
today, as SmallPox is very
prevalent thro this coun-
try.
Please write often and
long. so we are sure
to get your letters direct
ly now.
I am as ever
                           Your devoted Son
                              Charles
Charles Elisha Taylor, 1842-1915, Co. F., 10th Virginia Cavalry,  later a Baptist minister and eventually president of Wake Forest.

MSS 3091

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