Warrenton Junction, Va.
Nov. 5th, 1863
Dear Father,
Your letter of last week enclosing a note from little Mary has been received. As you see by the heading of this we are still at the ”Junction”—but we are hourly expecting the order to move. I think the movement will be across the Rappahannock and on Fredericksburg. If Genl. Meade advances on that city again I have no doubt that that he will have to fight. I have confidence however that he will accomplish his ends. I prophesy that this Army of the Potomac will move before next Monday.
Much enthusiasm and good feeling exists among the soldiers today, as the news of the result of the elections in N.Y. and other states have been received. Surely Copperheadism is dead and buried.
Efforts are being made to reinlist our Division for three years longer, but I do not think it can be done. It is promised that if two thirds of the Division say they will reinlist—the Division will be taken to Pennsylvania visiting their homes for six or eight weeks. A large “bounty” is to be given to every old soldier who goes into the organization. I rather guess the most of the boys “can’t see it” however. We shall know in the course of a few weeks how the thing will terminate. It is said that Governor Curtin is in favor of the project.
I saw Preston Maitland and John Pryer this evening. They have no horses and will probably be sent to the dismounted camp at or near Washington. All the rest of the Rockland boys are well. I received a letter from Jno. Jolly not long ago—he is well—I wrote to him a day or so since. I have not heard from Evrill for a long time—I wrote to him but I have never had an answer. I have not heard from Sylvanus either. You said the Elihu Chadwick was going into the Army in place of Richard. Do you know in what Regiment he is to be? In what Regiment is Amor’s son John? They might be near me and I not know it.
I wish the boys would write soon again—I haven’t heard from them for a long time.
With an earnest wish for your health and safety, I am,
Yours affectionately,
J. D. Chadwick.
Tell Mary I will answer that letter of hers as soon as I get time and that I am very proud that I have a sister who can write a letter to me.
J. D. C.
Next posting: November 23, 2063
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335