Camp 2nd Michigan on the Rappahannock
Saturday, November 22, 1862
My Dear Father and Mother: Having a little time to spare I will answer your welcomed letter which I received some time ago. I was very glad to hear from you I assure you. We are all well as usual. We have changed around some since you heard from me last. We are now in the same brigade of the 19th and 8th and in the same division of the 20th. I
don't know what the change was for unless it was so Col. Poe could be promoted to Brig. General.
None of the boys liked it much here the first day.
here were quite a number of fights . They thought they could teach us something but we didn't think so.
We are now on the banks of the Rappahannock River, Just across from the city of Fredericksburg.
The pickets are but a few rods apart but do not shoot at each other but they do blaggard some.
Some ladies came out and waved a "Secesh" flag and sang the -Stars and Bars" and some other
rebel songs.
One of their men asked what other songs we would like to hear. One of our men said he would like to hear Maryland my
Maryland then the women ran into the house and would not come out again.
They seem to be quite busy with their railroad cars and we send an iron messenger
out once in a while. I think they are sending in reinforcements, judging from their campfires.
We have been having very rainy weather for the last few days and I tell you it makes me think of home.
I received a letter from Ashley last night and he said Father had been out to see him. I was glad to hear it and I think Mother ought to go if she can possibly do so.
You don't know how much good it would do him if he is anything like me.
I expected some of you to come to see me before we left Detroit and when I found you couldn't come I felt very badly and have thought of it many times since then.
Orv. was left behind sick so was Fred Waterman and I haven't seen them since.
I am in need of a little money so please send me seven dollars in Treasury Notes and I will be much obliged to you.
Mother I will look for that picture Just as soon as you get that new dress made and I would like you to send fathers picture also.
I am not going to ask Phoebe to write to me again.
Mother I am going to have some black tea, boiled fresh beef and hard crackers for supper tonight for I do my own cooking. Those shirts and other things have not come yet but I think they are safe.
I have written all I can think of so will stop by bidding you all goodbye.
please excuse my writing with a pencil for I am out of ink.
I remain your affectionate Son
A. J. Juckett
P.S. please send a few stamps.