Bivouac 7th Mich Cavalry
	Near Lake Chantilly
		June 13th 1863
Dear Nell.
	      I received your last letter
two days ago and will now write a
short answer.. I wrote you last from
Bealeton on Wednesday and stated that
we were expecting to march at any moment
     We took up the march at sundown
and marched to Kettle Run near our
old camp..arriving there about one Oclock
and sleeping until daylight when we
again “lit out” for Fairfax C.H.
  We marched via Centerville arriving
at Fairfax about 3 P.M. and prom
ised ourselves a few days rest and
begun to make preparations for en
joying ourselves. but “Man that is
born of woman. and joineth the Seventh
Mich. is few of days a full of

trouble” and accordingly we soon
received orders “to move” to reinforce
Col. Grey at this place. A half
nights march followed and the
other half we slept on the ground
myself under a bush. thus making four
nights in succession that wh we had
been in the saddle. I have about
come to the conclusion to turn highway
man and not work any more. but
prowl about nights..
     We hear further from the Cavalry
fight at Kelly s and Beverly s
fords. the accounts being given in
the “Daily Morning Chronicle”
published at Washington. which is
the most reliable paper I have ever
seen. in giving accounts of affairs
in this section at least.. I will send
you two copies of a late date if possible.
I consider it a well edited paper
in all its different departments

     I sent ten dollars by mail
to Father some time since and
also the same sum by express
both directed to Buchanan. please
                                        of
acknowledge the receipt ^ for the same
will you.
     I have but little news to
communicate at present and
not being in a very strong mood
for writing I shall not carry this
to a very great length..
     I spoke of passing through
Centerville. and as you have often
seen the name in connection with
the battle of July 21st/61 you may
feel some inclination to know how
it looks. It occupies a pleasant
situation and commands the
country finely. The place consists of
two houses. or a house and barn.
but strong and extensive fortifications
surround it on all sides.

A considerable force of infantry and
artillery now occupies it and it
would stand quite a siege.
     There is nothing about this place
worthy of notice.. The names applied to these
places are highsounding titles. such as Center
ville. Chantilly and many others but the
places themselves would scarcely attract a
passing look.
        The weather still continues
warm and dry. Many of our boys sick
at Fairfax hospital die daily. but we have not
as yet lost a man by death since leaving Washing
ton.   I had only time for a short visit with
Newt. He looks healthy and [fat?] but
can not ride at all. He complains of being
lonesome and I know would enjoy
himself much better with the company.
Chet Calvin was quite sick for a time
but is now gaining fast and will soon
join the company for duty again.
     The boys here are all well and
hearty. We have done nothing yesterday
and today but will probably go on
picket to morrow.. It would amuse you
as it does me to hear the many reports
and rumors concerning this regt and
one most prevalent at present would
if known surprise many at home as well
as here.
     Excuse this short letter and
                                                     in a
[illegible in original] wait till I feel ^ better mood for
a long one
		Edwin R Havens