Swisher, Daniel, fl. 1861-1863 to sister [Lydia A. Bishoff]

Swisher describes his surprise upon receiving his most recent letter from Bishoff. He had not heard from Bishoff for a long time, and had resolved not to write until he did hear from her. He now understands Bishoff's reason for not writing: she was ill with the mumps. Swisher explains that he is currently under marching orders and expects to go first to Martinsburgh and from there, on to Manassas or Winchester [as previously noted, the 7th Virginia Regiment marched to Winchester on March 4-15]. He tells Bishoff that she will soon hear of the "Bloodyists Battles Ever was fought on the north American continent and that it will be right down here in Eastern Virginia." Although Swisher is not sure whether he will take part in these battles, he explains that if he does fight, he does not expect to return home again. But while there will definitely be "a hard fight in Eastern Virginia before this Rebellion is broke," Swisher writes that "we have to fight it out sometime it might as Well be now as any other." Swisher concludes by telling Bishoff that Sam is learning to cook for the lieutenants, and that if the two of them ever return home, they are going to find a shanty in the woods, and Sam will cook for them, acting "as a wife and I as the old man." Written at Camp Chase located near the Paw Paw Tunnel.