refersto::Mayberry Hammond refersto::William Goheen Hammond refersto::Eliza A. Hammond refersto::Lucy W. Hammond
Hammond Letter 5
Date: Sept 17, 1861
From: Mayberry Hammond [42]
To: W. G. Hammond [41]
Fairfax C. H.
September 17, 1861
I have delayed writing to you for several weeks from the fact that we are almost incessantly moving, so often and in so many ways, that I have not time at present to detail all the movements we have made in the last few weeks, I will merely state that I have had the satisfaction of being within sight of Washington twice in the past few days, once at “Munsens’ Hill” and again at “Mason’s Hill” a few days later, from which place we returned day before yesterday. both hills are situated about six miles from Washington about the same from Alexandria, two and a half miles from Arlington heights, saw plenty of Yankees, was in good shooting distance of them while on picket hut was not allowed to fire. Our line of pickets is gradually closing in around Washington and Alexandria, but when a grand move will be made is hard to tell. We were all somewhat surprised the other morning on getting up to see large trains ef wagons leaded with ammunition, which evidently means something and what that something is, is easily imagined, The confederates have had several severe skirmishes near the chain bridge above Washington, which resulted, as usual in the defeat ef the Yankees.
Capt. Breckenridge’s Company arrived at our camp from Richmond while we were yet at Centerville, to take our place in the Regiment as we have been detached from the Reg. as artileries (sic). We will get our horses and cannon in a few days and then, you need not be surprised to hear of the O.D.R’s distinguishing themselves. Your horse, which you left with __________, (“May Berry”, I believe. dhs) died several weeks ago. whether bad treatment was the cause of its dying I am unable to say. But would not be surprised if it was not, The things you left in the care of Mr. Ford at Fairfax C.H. have not been disturbed by the Yankees, I left the book you gave me, “________ Rhetoric” - in his care as it was troublesome to carry. We were all paid off today, - $38.00 which was for only til the first July and for uniform. Since writing the above I have received a letter from Eliza [39] and Lucy[43]. Eliza said she would send me some clothes, which would be very acceptable, as clothes are very hard to get here. Even if the pocket is full of money. Tell her to make me a shirt dark calico- pair drawers, pair Janespants, and a cover or dress shirt made of dark colored cloth if it can be got if not it doesn’t make much difference Just so it will stand the rubs. Mrs. Jones of Bedford was kind enough to send me a couple pairs of socks. If Eliza [39] and Lucy [43] can make me the clothes and send them to me by you I will send them by the first opportunity as much money as I would have to give for the same amount of clothes here. I will write to them soon. I am quite well at this time. Write as soon as this comes to hand, and when you expect to return.
Yours in haste,
Direct to Fairfax C. H. Mayberry Hammond.