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

Writes from Camp Necessity. Notes he is presently in the Cumberland Valley, which he says has "high mountains covered with forests." Writes his regiment just finished an "awful march over the most dusty road thee ever beheld," to join [General George] McClellan's lines. Says Rush's cavalry joined their lines, while Murphy's 29th Pennsylvania Regiment occupied the town. Says that when the battle ceased, the results were announced as favorable, because "McClellan has the rebels surrounded." To reach the town, his regiment marched all last night, and all of the morning, with periodical halts each hour so as to give relief to the men. Mentions that it has "been too much for the men, [and] the road is lined with those having dropped out as we marched along." Due to such conditions, "the surgeon has had his hands full." Notes his regiment has run into trouble because they were ordered away with neither tents nor provisions, and the only items available are those purchased from "their own pockets." Says that he has "seen much" in the past week. States, "last week the whole of this country was occupied by the rebels, and this town was shelled by our forces, when the attacks was made-the stench of dead animal matter from the battle field last night on the march was sickening.-graves innumerable, & dead horses lying unburied all along our route." Mentions he attempted to find Hal Jacobs while at camp, but failed. Hal is a member of Anderson's troupe, which is presently scouting the area near his regiment. Asks that she make an apology on his behalf. Notes it is rumored that McClellan plans on making Hagerstown his headquarters and that his regiment will be assisting at Harper's Ferry. He goes on to tell her that "Horn and Mitchell & myself mess together often." Mentions the men of his regiment have been sleeping in an open field without "a particle of covering," aside from their coats and blankets. Notes Rebel prisoners have been coming hourly and "they are the most miserable looking wretches." Closes the letter by wishing his wife and home all of his love.