Camp Russell Va
	    December 29th 1864
     Dear Nell.
	         Arriving in camp yes
terday afternoon after a ten days 
absence I found letters from you 
and Mother awaiting me which
were most truly welcome and
eagerly perused and tonight I
will scratch off a few lines in
reply.
     We left camp on the morning
of the 19th and took up our line
of march which at that day extended beyond
Front Royal 3½ miles through Chester
Gap. halting for the night near the
residence of Mr Chester from whom
the Gap receives its name.. Next day
our line of march extended through
Flint Hill. Gaines Cross Roads. Little
Washington and Sperryville to some

three miles beyond the latter
place. when we camped about 6 P.M.
   Next day we marched via Graylesville
to Madison C.H. Soon after leaving
G_ our advance encountered the
pickets and scouts of the rebs and
drove them to Madison C.H. where
they made a stand and a skirmish
of more than an hour ensued. no
one on our side was hurt however
Three Johnnies were wounded and
captured and one killed. We went
into camp about 8 P.M. but did
not unsaddle that night next
morning the Johnnies had pulled
out and all we could do was to
follow them. We took up the march
at noon and proceeded to Barnetts
Ford on the Rapidan where we found
the Grey Jackets again and leaving
the 2nd Div to look after them
there our division went to White's

     ford a mile or more above
and crossed camping for the 
night at Jacks shop. our regt
going on picket. all was quiet
during the night. At daylight
we were releived and sent on
picket on another road some
two miles from there. where we
remained until about 2 P.M.
The 2nd Division and 2 brigades
of our division went on to Jacks
Gap seven miles from the Gordonsville
where they found the enemy too
strongly posted to be forced out
and after fighting a short time
withdrew. The rebs early in the
morning had the temerity or
imprudence to oppose our advance
with two pieces of artillery. and 
not using them in a manner
to suit our boys two regiments
decided on taking them for their

     ford a mile or more above
and crossed camping for the 
night at Jacks shop. our regt
going on picket. all was quiet
during the night. At daylight
we were releived and sent on
picket on another road some
two miles from there. where we
remained until about 2 P.M.
The 2nd Division and 2 brigades
of our division went on to Jacks
Gap seven miles from the Gordonsville
where they found the enemy too
strongly posted to be forced out
and after fighting a short time
withdrew. The rebs early in the
morning had the temerity or
imprudence to oppose our advance
with two pieces of artillery. and 
not using them in a manner
to suit our boys two regiments
decided on taking them for their

     It was a tiresome raid
continual marching in cold
freezing weather over slippery
roads and apparently without
accomplishing any particular
object. We lived hugely. both as
concerned man and beast. in
fact it was a perfect feast of
good things from commence
ment to end and we came
back to camp loaded with
bacon hams, butter honey and
other things that wouldn't do
to mention. With the exception
of a slight cold and hoarse
ness I am as good as new to
night. although in no great
hurry to go again until our
provisions give out again.
  The news from Sherman. Butler
Warren. Stoneman and Thomas

is bully and causes great
rejoicing. It seems that Custer
made a march up the valley
as far as Harrisonburg in
cooperation with Merritt and
Powell and got drove back
His object like ours was
undoubtedly to attract their
attention away from Stoneman
and not to do any great thing
himself.
     The weather has been very
cold and we have a light
coat of snow on the ground
now.
     Glad to hear such good 
news from home as is contained
in yours. Hope you have gay 
times improving the sleighing
I received yours of the 23rd
this evening.


     We are having our hands
full now with reports.
Muster Rolls and all the
various bsiness of a mili
tary command and you
must excuse this ragged
outline of our doings in
the past ten days. I will 
write again in a day or
two and try to finish up
the story in a more definite
and interesting manner.
by a letter to either mother
or yourself.
     Wishing you all a Happ
New Year I will now close.
   Write again soon to
	Your Aff Brother
		E R Havens