1862 December 2 near Washington, Maryland

[letter of Captain Henry S. Spaulding, 38th New Jersey volunteers, to his wife Anna "Birdie" Spaulding, begun on November 30, continues]

                    Dec 2  Two miles south
                     of Washington, Maryland
Dearest Birdie
                           You will be surprised
at the change of localities in so short
a time. Night before last we received
immediate marching orders, & it was
impossible for me to write any more

[page 2]
on this letter.  I snatch a few minutes
before the drum beats to day march
this morning, but don't expect to finish
Where we are going, or what we are
going to do

[letter will continue on December 5]


MSS 38-156