"Camp in the field at Rappahanock Station on the banks of the Rappahanock River Va. May 7th 1863
"Dear Father, Mother, Brothers & Sister I now seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that we are yet alive & enjoying tolerable health, although I thought yesterday that I should have to lay off for a few days. I was threatened hard with a fever. But come to lay down in the mud knee deep to Sleep last night I found myself a good deal better this morning & I am in hopes that I shall come out all right in a few days.
"We had orders last night to be ready to move to day at 11 Oclock A.M. But the cars did not get along until one Oclock. when they got there we got aboard of them & came to this place, a distance of seven miles. we are encamped about sixty rods from the Rappahanock river & about that distance from the Bridge. The bridge is somewhat out of shape & it is talk that there will be workmen here immediately to repair it & that we are here to guard it
"I understand that if Hooker is successful that his supplies will have to pass over this road in the course of three or four days The 15th regiment came up to Bealton Station (three miles below here) to day.
"Lieut. Wait & Wilber Herrick were sent back to Union mills this morning they are both of them rather off the hooks. But are not very sick. Wilber has been in the hospital three days. But he was so that he was out doors this morning & looked pretty bright. They will probably be sent to Alexandria.
"...There is rumors of all sort in camp. Some are that Hooker has ben repulsed & others are that he has been Successful & that he has got the Rebs into such a position that he could withstand the whole force of confederates that there is & so it is. But we shall know sometime if ever we do I reckon right Smart.
"As it is about dark, shall have to close until morning J H Hammond"~ Jabez H. Hammond, West Windsor, age 20, Sgt. Co. A, 12th Regt Letter No. 40
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