Camp near Bill Plain, Va.,
9 o’clock P. M., December 31, 1862
Dear Father:
Yours of the 24th received. After my day’s work has been done I seat myself to answer.
I have no news of importance to communicate and write only to let you know that I am well. We did think when we came to this place that we would stay here during the winter, but it is very doubtful as we are now under orders to move at a moment’s notice. We are totally ignorant as to where. The order may have been given in anticipation of an attack or raid of the enemy.
The boys are all well as usual. Joe Ross has not yet returned although we hear that he left home sometime ago.
I saw Wesley Burgwin a few days since. He is well and in comfortable quarters, as the boys have all built log huts in anticipation of remaining here over the winter.
The weather is somewhat cold but pleasant. I wrote to John Jolly on Monday. I close, remaining,
Your affectionate son,
James
Next posting: January 8, 2013
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335