Template:SWTSWVLetter19

September 29, 1861 - Rufus R. Dawes to Ephraim C. Dawes (Brother)

Part I - Click for full-sized scanned image Part II - Click for full-sized scanned image CAMP NEAR CHAIN BRIDGE, SEPTEMBER 29th, 1861. The army of the Potomac is in high spirits this morning. The Grand Army has moved forward and taken possession of Munson Hill and the whole line of rebel outposts without firing a gun. Our troops at the Chain Bridge did not move forward, but we were up nearly all night, to be ready to march at a moment's notice. But as General McClellan will not fight on Sunday, we do not now expect to move until to-morrow. (Reference is here made to a general order issued by McClellan in regard to inaugurating movements on Sunday. As he did not inaugurate them on any other day, it was not of much importance.) It is said that our brigade will go to the Arlington House, and probably pitch tents there, and perhaps advance in light marching order towards Fairfax Court House. It is said that some of our regiments in the movements last night, fired on each other, and that others, who were out of range but scared by the noise, threw away their guns and ran. Colonel Atwood has resigned, and Major B.J. Sweet has been promoted to Lieut. Colonel and our little Captain Bragg of Co. 'E' has been promoted to Major. Companies 'E' and 'K' rejoice and are exceeding glad, but one or two of our Captains are mad at Bragg's promotion. He is the best man and I am glad of his advancement. They say the Colonel would have preferred to have Frank Haskell appointed Major, but Bragg captured the Governor. Our old Colonel is as rugged as a wolf, and the regiment has great confidence in him, both as a man and an officer. We have not been roughing it lately, but have been living high. My Second Lieutenant has even struck up a flirtation with a young lady in Georgetown. Crane is making a fine young officer. He is one of the best instructors in the manual of arms in the regiment." (To view the Source Category for Part I, click HERE) (To view the Source Category for Part II, click HERE)