Candler letter, September 8, 1861

William Latham Candler

Papers, 1861-63, Ms97-007

September 8, 1861; letter written from Camp Union, Bladensburg, MD

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Camp Union
Bladensburg Sept. 8th 61
8 P.M.

My dear Uncle
Our Regt have just recd orders to take five days rations and start at daybreak tomorrow for what place I do not know. It is a secret move. All I can learn is that we are going from twenty to fifty miles from here and shall probably have a hard fight. That is from good authority. We are not going across the river, up here, at any rate as a squadron of cavalry is coming out tonight from Washington to go on with us. A cavalry officer rode through camp this P.M. towards Washington, and said that the enemy were not far from us. About two hours after our order came from Genl McClellan to Hooker to give his best drilled regiment five days rations and start them at

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daybreak, That a squadron of cavalry had left Washington to report to him to be sent forward with the Regt. Genl H picked our Regt (a great honor) and so off we go. I know nothing about where we are going to, but of course have my opinions. Which are, that we are going to the South of Maryland to where there has been so much smuggling; and where the enemy have crossed over. or else we go to some point south to make feint[?] to protect some great movement somewhere else. That we are going to the south of Maryland, I think there is no doubt. That we shall have some music I ------- is as little. Our men are almost crazy; they are singing and working as happy as can be. I feel first rate now; and just in the right time for a brush, when I went to Bull Run, I was unwell and consequently low spirited and could not enjoy anything; but I'm all right now and trust

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that you will hear a good account of Co. A. We are going forward now on our own hook and if you hear of the old 1st Mass. doing much ----- from fear I am much mistaken. We don't go forward with that intention. Give my love to all enquiring friends and remember
Your Aff. Nephew
Wm L Candler

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