Fuller, Josiah C. (1827-1896) [to his wife]

Camp in the Field, Nov. 4th 1863

My own dear Wife. It is a lovely day. We are yet in this camp we moved to Monday, about 1/2 a mile from where we were Sunday. I think we moved to have more room and higher ground to camp on. Tis very uncertain how long we stay here. The Reserve moved to day and Capt. Sappington called to see us. They are going to camp, or halt near Catlitts Station which is about 4 miles from here and the next station nearer Washington from Warrenton Junction. We camped there last year when I was with them - on our way from Warrenton Junction to Falmouth, and I would not be a bit surprised if Falmouth or near there was their destination now. It may be they and the rest of the army will fall back nearer Washington. If we are going to hold the line of the Rappahannock Falmouth is the best place and the easiest to get supplies to as there would be but 14 miles of railroad from Aguia Creek and more to Warrenton Junc. is 40 miles from Alexandria and Rappahannock Station is 12 miles further. Moreover from Falmouth or Fredericksburg to Richmond tis 20 miles nigher than by this route via Culpeper and Gordonsville. I would not be surprised a bit if the main part of this army took transportation and landed well up the Jas. River again besieging Richmond from that way. Hamilton is to be Capt. Official notice of his having been com. having been rec'd last night. It is very pleasing to him, and of course to his folks. I am sorry to lose him for I have been a long time with him, and I feel to, I have some influence to restrain him in some particulars. He does not know how much of responsibility and trouble he will have to assume with his new rank. I am beginning to feel that it is not much to be a Capt.. Steele who was Orderly [2] in Co. "E" at the Fort is also to be Capt. This Regt. has had lots of changes in its line Officers, but has had but one change in the Field Officers. Col Parker being the only one who has left. Some Regts have had 5 or 6 Cols - had we changed so often I should been higher in rank now. Lt. Col. Stephenson came back Monday night. He is in good health and spirits. His face is considerably disfigured. His right eye being drawn down just like Mrs. Burtons and the scar shows on either side, most on right side. His face near his nose and under the eyes is void of feeling and is likely to trouble him in cold weather. But it was a narrow chance for his life and he feels grateful he is no worse off. I was and am a deal troubled to learn what you wrote about Theodore. I have written to the Commanding Officer of his Compy to find out all I can of the particulars, and will hope it is all right til I hear different. I can appreciate his complaint about the way the Officers of his Co. have conducted affairs, and I fear we have all been to blame in not writing him oftener much oftener, and tell Chas & Ich. to write him every week sure commencing right away. No matter whether he answers or not. I feel to condemn myself for not writing him oftener, tho I might plead want of time which they cannot. They better not say anything about this rumor but write all the news, and changes going on home. Every little particular, and if you can spare time write him. I wonder what I should do did I not have letters oftener than he has. I tremble to think of it, and can almost cry in thinking of the way he has been neglected. I will commence a letter to him this very night. Tis drill time now. Near sunset and a Brigade camped near us is having guard mounting and a very excellent Band is playing. They play near half and hour this time of day and sometimes [3] [written across text on page 2] in the evening. Be careful you don't overdo, and hire what is necessary mind and do as I tell you. Hamilton sends his regards. Is pretty delighted I tell you. You better have a spring frame fixed for bedstead down stairs for I cant bear to sleep without one when I am at home. Be thoughtful Nan. Why should my Bro's help you particularly? Suppose Basha should write Gus when I happened to be at home "Your Bro's don't hurt themselves helping me"? I never thought I was obliged to call out to her house to do her chores. No no while I would help to the uttermost in necessity I did not consider it my duty and don't think it is my Bro's duty to do your chores, but think they would be willing in necessity. Such sayings as I refer to are illustrative of more perhaps than one intends. We are not careful enough of words. You remember the verse something about an arrow taking aim the archer never meant, and a word doing mischief and causing trouble never intended. This is not by the way of reproof but simply caution. Would I could have all I want of those potatoes. They are high I should judge. I am not suffering to earn money but for nobler reasons and you just use all you want and dont be mean. We stopt and eat our beans and lugged along what we could not eat. Capt. Doten had better get into the Invalid Corps. I guess he will. You can go and see Aunt Sarah not Ann. Sorry for Sarah the Band is playing "O Willie we have missed you" Queer story of Chas. Spooner may be a "canard." That and Hannah Washburns sudden death ought to make a deal of talk among the gossips. I have just eaten heartily of flap jacks with strong butter and heavy dark sugar on them. But they were good and with condensed milk in my coffee it was quite a supper. My false teeth are playing out ten are broken out more started and the plate is cracked. When they give out I cant crack hard tack a great many months. Now I want you to have a grand Thanksgiving. [4] [Written across text on page 1] Have your Mother and her Family. My mother Robert and Ann, Icha. And Wife Basha and Chas & his family and as many more as you please. Have a grand dinner and pleasant time and consider me as among you. If all wont or cant come have all you can and ask who you please. Have a good time now and I will think of you at the time and enjoy in degree. Love to all. Kisses to the dear ones. I am thinking of those to whom I owe letters. Ever of thee I am fondly dreaming My own dear Nan. May & Josy must grow good and thus beautiful Ever thine.
Josiah