Augusta County: H. W. Freedley to Maria Hiester,
June 11, 1863
Summary:
Freedley writes about applying for leave and about Union efforts to block
Confederate movement into Maryland. He also writes about the cautious army and
government policies regarding mail delivery and the granting of leave to
officers, all part of the goal of winning the war.
June 11 th 1863
Camp 3d
United States Infantry
Banks Ford Virginia
Dear Maria
You cannot imagine how sorry and disappointed I was when I found I could not join
you all in Philadelphia I had been refused any leave of absence but had
persevered and had been more fortunate in a second application and had a leave
of absence for five days. I received this "leave" the [illeg.] evening
before leaving Falmouth and should have left
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for Philadelphia the next morning had the regiment not
received an order twelve o'clock that night to leave for the upper Rappahannock
at three o'clock. We have been here ever since guarding the Ford to prevent the
"rebels" making a raid into my Maryland-and
frightening the politicians in Washington. We are under orders again to move and
may leave tonight where to or when is not yet
divulged.
Your kind letter of the 6th
instant was received yesterday. My letters do not
reach Washington until the evening of the second day. I fear that many of them
are delayed as the mail
[page 3]
is frequently detained for prudential
reasons. The authorities here are exceedingly cautious, in some particulars,
regarding contraband information. Politicians have so much information and
influence in this army that many of our best Generals are leaving for other
fields and none but the favored few enjoy indulgences or privileges. Old
officers in subaltern positions with difficulty procure leave of absence for
fear that they will not return preferring lighter service not in the field
Remember me kindly to your Father & Mother and with the kindest wishes
for your health & happiness I
[page 4]
am as ever
Your affectionate Friend
H. W. Freedley
P.S. Our position here will not be maintained long and we
will either advance or return to the vicinity of Washington.
Yours
H.W.Freedley
Excuse this paper and
penmanship
I'm in camp.
