Dec 7th 1863 

My own dearest Aunt,

I have received your two kind and gratifying letters some time since but have had no opportunity of writing before as we have been continually on the move for the past ten days. You doubtless have seen in the papers the account of our crossing the River and attacking the enemy. Some hard fighting has been done with us but it has not amounted to much more than a reconnoisance. Our Heavenly Father has kindly protected and watched over me in every movement so that I have escaped all harm and escaped it at times when it seemed impossible for me to live. My health at present is not quite as good as usual.

I think we will soon go into Winter Quarters now for it is too cold to do much more this season. I have given up the idea of reenlisting. I do want to sit down in peace and quiet once more and improve my mind. I am sick and tired of seeing so much vice and vulgarity. It will be so good to study in quiet (if my life is spared until my term of service expires) and begin life anew.

Regarding my studying for the ministry, I will say I am afraid I never shall become competent enough to preach God's word as I ought but I would love to study it. I must now close this hoping you will excuse great haste and write me soon again. Please give my best respects to Uncle Reuben and all others who may enquire. Accept with this the true esteem of your loving Nephew, 

Covell

Address:

Alfred C. Woods

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

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney