Bristol Station Va.
February 11, 1864
Dear Father,
Yours, enclosing note from little sister, and a letter from Frank were all received last Sunday. I have written a note to Mary which please hand her.
Everything remains as heretofore with our division. It is still in the same place and doing the same duty. Recruiting has commenced here again and quite a number are going into the “Veteran Corps” for another three years. There is a man here from New Jersey authorized to raise the quota of that state by paying very large bounties. Many are enlisting and being accredited to that state. Pennsylvania has missed it by not offering as large bounties as other states. This way the quotas of other states will be filled by Pennsylvanians.
There was a movement out at the front a few days ago but it amounted to nothing more than a reconnoisance. We did not move at all. All the Rocklanders are as well as usual.
The 4th Pa. Cavalry are expecting to go to the state in a few days. A majority having reinlisted. Commissioned officers do not enlist. I presume that Barr and Maitland will stay with the Regiment.
Do you know yet in what Regiment David Jolley is? I would like to go and see him. The weather is pleasant but cold at night. I am expecting Jess. Pryer back this week. The mail carrier is waiting on me so I must close.
In haste
Your Son
J. D. Chadwick
I mailed an engraving of our present Division Commander yesterday to Mother—Genl. Crawford, and by the way as big an old fool as ever I saw—nothing but vanity and conceit in him. J.D.C.
Next posting: February 17, 2014
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335