Rapahanock County, Va. Nov. 10, 1862

Dear Sister,

             I have been promising to write to you for sometime and still neglected to do it. Not because I did not want to for I am sure I would like to write every day if it was possible for me to do so but when we are marching every day we have not much time to do anything. We are now away down in Virginia again. We left Harpers Ferry about two weeks ago and have been marching ever since and the rebbles have been retreating before us. If they go clear to Richmond I suppose we will follow them up but they may at any time turn about and whip us back. We have pretty hard times now. Sometimes we have to march from daylight till dark. We have been living on short rations ever since we started and for the last 2 weeks have ad nothing but fresh meat without salt and parched corn. The reason is we have been marching so fast that the supply trains could not keep up, but I think they will be up this evening. I guess we are going to have a winter campaign. I expect it will be pretty hard but I think I can stand it and am willing to if it will only end the war. I am afraid if it is not over this winter it will last for 2 or 3 years longer but I am in hopes it will be over this winter. I would give all the world to be home once more, but there is no use to wish, for wishing will do no good. I think if the rebbles hold out much longer they will gain their independence. I think the government is badly managed. The soldiers are becoming very much dissatisfied. They have done all they can do, fought, bled and died and suffered all that man can suffer and nothing seems to be accomplished, but I must quit complaining for all we have hard times I have good health and they tell me that I have grown nearly a third bigger than when I came in the army. I received a letter from mother the other day and was glad to hear you was all well and the children are going to school. Reading the letters I get is about all the pleasure I have. Tell mother not to send me anything now for it would only be lost. Wait till we get near some railroad. Tell her to keep in good heart and not fret about me and I hope that I will be home before spring but I must close for I have some washing to do and it was time I was at it. Give my love to father, mother, the children and all inquiring friends.

From your ever affectionate brother

Goodbye   Alex Adams

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