Near Warrenton, Va

Nov 3rd 1863 

Dear Aunt Melissa,

As I am at leisure this calm still and beautiful afternoon. I will pen you a few lines thinking they may be acceptable. Some time has elapsed since I have heard from you and since I wrote last some active movements have been made here with us but probably you have seen an account of them so I will not attempt to discribe them. Suffice it to say God in his loving kindness has protected me through all and I am still spared to render thanks to Him and am enjoying the best of health as well as many other blessings with which we are surrounded.

I was very much pleased to receive a kind gratifying letter from Aunt Lucy a short time since and to learn that she has been making you a visit which I have no doubt you enjoyed very much.

We are now pleasantly encamped near the flourishing little village of Warrenton which is the termination of the branch of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and is situated near the Rappahannock River and about 50 miles distant from Washington. I think we will not remain here long for all the sick at the Hospital are being sent back today and preparations being made for a movement where to I do not know. The enemy are in force about four miles distant and it may be that we are to advance upon them. God grant that if we do we may be successful. I am sick of seeing so much blood spilled without accomplishing anything to the promotion of our cause. The weather here is beautiful now so cool so pleasant without a cloud to mar the brightness of the skies. Oh! would that this accursed war might quickly be brought to end so that I could return home again. I long to get away from the noise and confusion of Camp life and spend my hours in study and lead a different life.

Have you heard from Grand Father lately and is he coming to see you as he talked of a while ago? l will now bring this to a close hoping you will excuse all mistakes hasty writing to and favor me with a reply as soon as convenient.

Please write me how Uncle Reuben is and how he gets along with the work. 

With much love to all I remain,

Your Affectionate Nephew,

Covell

Alfred C. Woods

Co E 62nd Regt. N.Y.S.Vols. Via Washington D.C. 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney