May 10th 1863 

My own dear Aunt,

As everything is still and quiet this beautiful Sabbath morn, I cannot resist the temptation to write you a few lines that you may know that God in his merciful kindness has been pleased to keep me and spare my unprofitable life through another struggle (Battles of Maryre's Heights, Salem Heights, and Banks Ford) for victory and another fearful and fiery ordeal in which many of our brave number have been stricken by the hand of death and are lying prone upon the field of destruction and blood. The dark pale of war has again passed away and truly few can feel more grateful than myself as I look back over that terrible slaughter and those bloody scenes and reflect upon the goodness of God in preserving me through all unharmed. Oh! how i wish that this inhuman war was ended and we could live once more in the enjoyment of peace and the associations of kind friends.

I will not attempt to desribe the particulars of this battle for you will see the full account in the papers. Suffice it to say that the engagement on the heights of Fredricksburg between our Corps (the 6th) and the rebels was the hottest and most destructive of any small battle that has ever been fought. I term it a small battle for there was only our Corps engaged and at one time we were completely surrounded by the enemy. And when we retreated to recross the River we passed as near their forces as from one side of the road to the other (in front of your house).

We are now camped near the same place where we were previous to this battle. The weather is fine clear and cool. The trees are all bloomed and clothed in their summer attire. This weather after the dark dreary cold and damp days we have had in the few weeks past seems to transform the earth into a Paradise. I feel sad and lonely this morning. How I wish I could be with you to attend church today.

I must now close. Give my Love to Uncle Reuben (and other friends). Please write me as soon as convenient. Hoping that this will find you in good health with much love and esteem, I remain your devoted Nephew, 

Alfred C. Woods

P.S. Address usual 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney