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Willie Stevens to Rachel Stevens

Asst. Quartermaster's Office
2nd Brigade, Smith's Division
Camp Griffin, VA 3rd month, 11th 1862

Dear Mother,

Thy letter came safely to me about a week ago, and will try to answer it. The Army of the
Potomac is at last out of Camp Griffin. I had some Office work to do First eve, and did not get
to bed til half past ten, and at eleven, before I was asleep, the Order came for us, to have every
available team ready to start at four; this was the first we had heard of Advance, though it
was not unexpected to us.

McClellan was here to lead them in person, and they started at day light in the rain, but did not
know where they were to go. There they heard McDowal occupied Centreville, and today the
news comes that Manassas is taken without the discharge of a gun; incredible as this seems it is
probably true and if McClellan did not show his Prowess in the Field he has proved the wisdom
of his candor and moderation in the Council and the ignorance of the people of the North in
blaming him for his inactivity. Does he not deserve more credit for this bloodless Victory, than
if he had gone before conquered them with such an immense slaughter as there must have
been if he had done so? I could not go along with them, as some must stay to attend to the
Stores and Equipage which we have on hand; the Quartermaster must go, so I must stay; these
have been the longest days of the year (?) to me, and if it wasn't entirely against my priciple to
be so I should be homesick. I do not know how soon we shall go, or how much we will carry
when we do go, but do not think the Company Tents or much of the Baggage will go along, as it
would only impede the march, and be of little use as they have enough canvas on their backs
for shelter. Pease write soon and direct as before.

As ever,
Thy son William

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words that are underlined
line 12 - four
13 - unexpected
18 - true, Field
19 - Council
21 - before
23 - I, stay
27 - backs