Harrison’s Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 1862
Dear Parents:-
Yours of last week received. I hasten to reply.
Our whole army is about to go to Fredericksburg (?) via Fortress Monroe and Aquia Creek Landing on the Potomac. All the baggage and the knapsacks of the men have been sent down the river in transports and the troops and wagon trains will go by land, via Williamsburg, I suppose.
It is thought that Washington is threatened, but it is more likely that we are to be sent within supporting distance of Pope so that the enemy cannot fall upon us singly and whip us in detail.
I see that Banks and Pope have had some hard fighting and may be at it still. [1]
It is thought we may leave here to-day or to-night. I thought I had better write to you today for fear I might not have another opportunity of writing this week. You must excuse brevity as I have much to do. Nothing strange has happened since I wrote you last. All well.
Yours affectionately, J. D. Chadwick.
P. S. I learn that General McCall has been exchanged—and he has just come this morning. Everything is bustle and confusion. James.
Next posting: August 21, 2012
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[1] The reference here is to the Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862.