My Dear Wife,

Thinking a few lines would be acceptable to you although I suppose you know our whereabouts before this time but I suppose you would like to receive a word from me.

I should have written yesterday but I was on guard and John Gooch wrote to his wife and I told him to tell his wife to tell you that I was all right.

The orders for Leesburg was countermanded the night wrote from Chantilly after midnight. It appears that we had been transferred to Gen. Hooker’s command and he did not know that our time was so near expired but on the contrary thought we were 3 years men with the remainder of Ambrecomby’s division but our officers mad the fact known to him and he ordered us here.

I do not know as I am anymore out of harms way here than I was there but I am nearer home and can lay down with out expecting to hear the long roll beat at night.

I think it was very lucky for us that we did not have to go to Leesburg for it would have been a fatiqueing march through the enemy’s land and perhaps other causalities might have been coupled with the march.

I do not know as I can write anything definite about our coming home. It is thought that we shall not start from here before Tuesday and if we start then I cannot tell hown long we shall be on the way but I hope to be at home the 4 of July so we can go strawberrying for I should like some strawberries and cream first rate.

I do not know as I have any thing of interest to write so hoping that kind providence will continue his watchful and protecting care over us I close.

From your true and loving husband, C W Gooch

PS. My health is good and I stood the march first rate. If we should go by Wednesday or before I shall not be likely to write again.

God bless my dear wife. C.

Camp at Chantilly, Virginia