Camp Leslie, Hall’s Hill,
Fairfax County, Va., Oct. 26, 1861.
Friend P——s.:—
To-day has been a great day with us. General McClellan and staff reviewed General Porter’s Division, of which we form a part. Five brigades were reviewed. We are attached to General Butterfield’s Brigade. Our regiment was very highly complimented by the General, as one of the best, if not the best, on the field. We had a sham battle, an exciting time.
My health is still good. I feel the effects of severe drill some. It is as much as I can stand, but, while many are getting sick, I am all right yet. One poor fellow in our regiment died last night. The first one that has died since we left home.
Many seem to think that this war is soon to close. I am fully satisfied, however, that it cannot be ended without the emancipation proclamation, and I think that will be made next winter. I am in for thorough work while we’re at it, but I shudder for the results of the continuance of the war.
To-morrow we do guard duty. It is tiresome work. No sleep nights. Almost every time some fun occurs to relieve the monotony. An Irishman challenged a party the other night with, “Halt! Who goes there?” Ans.–”Grand rounds.” “Och, to the divil wid yez grand rounds; I thought it was the relafe guard.”