Letter from Henry, dated 1862-05-10

Head Quarters Ordnance Sergeant Camp [Winfield?] Scott Va. May 10th. 1862

My Kind Friend -

Willie wrote you a few lines some days ago. I presume he wrote you but little more than of his illness as he was barely able to do that. We have had no chance to send what little did write as yet and it would be unpardonable in me if I did not write a little something of th events so [?] transpiring. One week ago to-night we occupied a line stretching across the Peninsula from Warwick [C.W.?] on the left to before Yorktown on the right. Active preparations were going on for a siege. Mortar Batteries were being erected before all [their?] formidable works. The next morning showed that the first line of fortifications had been deserted. Yorktown with all its natural and artificial strength had been left without waiting for one attack. Our troops at once started in pursuit. As the Papers will tell you long before you see this the rebels have been driven beyond Williamsburg. Genl. Hancock's Brigade in [from this?] Division has done excellent service. Our Division yesterday was ten miles beyond Williamsburg, still pushing on.

I was left behind with the ammunition and William on account of illness. It has been quite lonesome since the troops left. We have but little news. We seem to be shut out from the world. We shall go to Yorktown to-morrow and up the York River to join the Brigade as soon as possible. William is quite unwell now, no better than when he wrote you. How he will stand the move I don't know. The roads are rough but we are only about three and one half miles from Yorktown. From thence we go in a boat which will be much better. I wish he was in some good Hospital where he could have good care, but there is none nearer than Fortress Monroe and I don't like to have him so far away. You may be assured I will do all I can for him. He is not dangerously sick, but cannot bear the least exertion. I presume he has given you a description of his ailment. I will keep you duly informed if any changes for the worse occur. Perhaps a move on the whole may be beneficial. As for myself I am quite well, have not been so well since we took the field. I am well of my biliousness and am fleshing up fast. I hope this will find you and your family well. With best regards to all, I remain

True to Country & Friends. Henry.