Ogden, Edward H., fl. 1835-1865 to Sarah Ogden

Writes that his regiment completed a march of about twenty miles, and finally arrived in Hagerstown on Friday afternoon. Notes they expected an attack last night from [General Stonewall] Jackson and "several thousand men." Says they spent the night "lying on their arms to receive him, but he did not come." Mentions that Stan's Battery was stationed on a hill, making a human wall across the entire hill and neighboring road. His regiment reinforced their barricade, so that if the rebels attacked, "a warm reception awaited them." Because the rebel troops did not come, they believe that "this was but a feint on their part to cover up their retreat across the Potomac at Williamsport." Says if this is the case, he plans on returning home rather than spending several weeks in camp, where there are enough troops to cover the position. Notes he has not yet slept under a covering, and looks forward to his homecoming. In closing, he asks that she excuse the appearance of his writing because he had to write it on his cartridge bore. Asks that she send word to P. S. Justice, that Howard Mitchell is "well & here."