Dec 26th 1862 

Dearest Aunt,

I have a few spare moments that I will improve in writing to you and it does seem good to talk with you now and then.

I suppose long ere this you have heard of the battle of Fredricksburg and are perhaps anxious to know if I passed through with safety. Yes, with feelings of true gratitude I am happy to inform you that through the kind providence of God I did and did not suffer the slightest harm although we were most fearfully exposed. Never before perhaps in the history of war was such ignorance and imbecility exhibited by men carrying on a "life and death struggle" and with such vast resources in troops and money and materials of war. The soldier as well as he who sits in his chair and complacently plans out a campaign appreciates the importance of activity at times and few there are in the camps at present who do not feel disheartened by the late movements of Genl Burnside for he has proven himself in this instance to be incompetent to fullfil the task allotted to him.

We are at present encamped near Falmouth and Fredricksburg, they being opposite of each other on the banks of the Rappahannock. Fredricksburg is one of the oldest towns in Virginia founded in 1827. It was named after Prince Frederick, son of George Second. Its distance from Richmond is 62 miles, from Washington 56 and before the late battle it was truly a picturesque and lovely place.

We are all in usual good health. The weather is splendid. Just cool enough for comfort and it is a pity that with the fine roads and the cloudless skies our forward movement should be delayed by those who are fortunate enough to have enough to hold in their hands the power to control our destinies. But I now close as tatoo is beating and I must attend company roll call.

Please write soon and give my love to Uncle and Cousins. Accept my true esteem while I remain, my dear Aunt, in great haste, truly yours 

A.C. Woods 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney