Camp on the Orange and Alexandra
Rail Road Va.
Mon. Aug. 26,1862.
My dear Father and Mother:
After a long march, and quite a long ride by water and Rail Road we find our selves about ten miles from
Manassas Junction and about six or eight miles in the rear of the main army.
For the first time since we started I have found a chance to drop a few lines for I know you are anxiously looking for a letter from me.
We started from Harrison's Landing Friday the 16th and marched twelve miles. Saturday we marched one and a half miles and
stopped near one of Jackson's old camp grounds while he was after Porter. The next
day (Sunday) we marched twenty six miles and Monday we went to Williamsburg, about fifteen miles. The next day we went to York Town and stayed
the night. Wednesday we took the boat for Alexandria where we arrived the next day. (Thursday)
I suppose you have seen in the papers the account of the march down the Peninsular and how the troops stripped the cornfields and gardens. In my
opinion there is little left.
The reason for marching so far one day and so little the next was we had to wait for our wagon train.
We stayed in Alexandria two nights and one day, then took the train for here.
I can't I think much of the country around here. There is a little corn planted and it is Just large enough to eat and you may be sure we help ourselves also to what apples we can eat.
I think I have got so I can cook a pretty good mess of corn, apple sauce or most anything else as good as anyone.
Day before yesterday when we first got here there was heavy firing at the front but yesterday and to-day there has been none. I don't know what is going on for we get no news.
I received a letter from Laura and Eliza just before we started from Harrison's Landing and we have received no mail since but I expect we will soon.
We have not had our tents up since we started from the Landing. We don't know how soon we may have to march again so you
can see why.
I have scribbled this off so carelessly but you must excuse me for this time.
Give my love to all and please answer as soon as you receive this and obliged
your affectionate Son
A.J. Juckett