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

Writes to his wife from camp near Waynesboro. Says after arriving in Waynesboro and "resting for a day, we were sent on a reconnaisance [sic] in force (our whole division) under Sam Smith into 'My Maryland.'" They came within a short distance of Hagerstown, Maryland, where the rebels were evacuating. The men marched through wheat and corn fields, "under a broiling sun," over rocks, through woods, and over creeks. While on the march, they found a group of rebels foraging at a mill. Says he has not had "a change of underclothing for over 10 days, this of course with no convenience for washing, is anything but comfortable to me." Reports that the rebels "stripped" the towns of "everything in the shape of clothing," and there is nowhere to purchase stockings or undershirts. In addition to a lack of clothing, the camp also lacks a mail service. At present, his regiment is "under marching orders," and the men are unsure as to where they are going, but they suspect Hagerstown. He does not know whether [Robert E.] Lee has crossed the Potomac or whether he intends to "remain on this side & resist our advance." He closes by giving his love to Perot, Lizzie, and Hamit.