Camp near Falls Church, Va.
June 11, 1863
Dear Father:
Your letter of June 3rd has been received. It found me not in the same place I was when you visited me but in the memorable state of “Old Virginia”. We left Washington about the first of the month and are encamped near Munson’s Hill and Falls Church. Why we were sent away from the City I cannot tell—some suppose it to have been on account of the bad conduct of some of the brigade, but I guess it was in anticipation of a raid by the enemy. Every night we have a strong picket force thrown out in front of us. We are along the line of the outer fortifications and have been employed in digging rifle pits in order to give the “graybacks” a warm welcome if they make a call upon us. [Brigadier] General [Samuel W.] Crawford has been assigned to the Command of the Penna. Reserves. He is another Fort Sumpter hero, having been there with Maj. [Robert] Anderson, Doubleday and Seymour. We have had the honor of being commanded by three of those “immortal few”. At the time of the bombardment of Sumpter General Crawford was a surgeon in the U. S. Army. He was severely wounded at the battle of Cedar Mountain about a year since, and has not yet completely recovered from the effects of it. His antecedents I believe are good.
It is just two years ago this afternoon since I started with the rest of my company in a canal boat from Meadville, for the seat of war. Twenty three of that number are now under the sod. The record of the coming year cannot be more bloody, but there is no telling how or where we may be before the end of our remaining year. Governor [Andrew] Curtin made a speech to the students at old Allegheny and paid a high tribute to our Company, the All. Coll. Volunteers.
I am glad that Sylvanus is doing so well, but I have told you often before that he is the smartest and most enterprising of all my cousins—at least of those whom I have seen. I regret to hear of the illness of my Mother, but hope ere this that she has totally recovered. All the boys of the Regiment are well as usual.
A few days before we left Washington as I was sitting at the window of my room a razor peddler came up and asked me if I didn’t want a razor. I looked at the man—his voiced sounded as though I had heard it before. Who do you think stood before me? Well you wouldn’t guess, so I’ll tell you. It was nobody else than Michael McDavid. You may be sure it was a pleasant meeting—he asked about everybody in Rockland from Pap Gates down to Bingham. He said he would “give more to see that child than any one in the world”. He lives in the City—is keeping a grocery—is married—has been for seven years—has a family of children. He lamented much that he did not get to see you and mother. I did not get to visit him at his house as we left in a day or so after I saw him.
I think of nothing more to write,
As ever—affy.
J. D. Chadwick
Next posting: June 24, 1863
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335