1863 January 17 across the Rappahannock from Fredericksburg

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]

Sat 17.  Clear, bright, calm, cold – Jno. came with packages & letters for
almost every one, Seemed almost like Santa Claus – no orders
to move yet, but Dr. Bateman detailed to Aquia Creek hospital.
left us to day – Much to my regret, a very amiable Christian
gentleman, letters fr. Henry, Julia, Mr. H, Mrs Attenbury &c.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935