Camp near Falmouth, Va.
My dear Sister:
Mr. Lang brought me your letter two days ago. I have been revelling in this glorious spring weather-riding every day so that I know every house and wood, road and bridle path within our picket-line. Our major [Stone] is a capital, clever fellow and keeps horses in fine condition, one of which, being young, I have kindly volunteered to train in his gaits. We have an officers' mess, comprising the Col., Major and eight Captains with Qr. Master and adjutant. I am Purveyor-General. We live as well as we can but had to take tea tonight without tea or coffee and bread without butter. This country is almost totally destitute of provisions. Some few things are brought over from Fredericksburg; but are greedily snatched up and sell at almost fabulous prices for example as follows: half-pound loaves 10 cts., butter (when you get it) 75 cts., eggs 40 cts., molasses 5o cts. per qt., ginger cakes 12 1/2 cts., etc. The commissary dept. is usually well supplied with necessaries, but just now the stock is exhausted.
If one had the facilities a fortune could be made in a week. I think I wrote you that our camp was pleasantly located in a woods. We are however terribly pestered with the abominable wood ticks---- scorpions and snakes also abound. I was walking yesterday with Charley when we came across and killed a moccasin snake-- said to be more poisonous than the rattle-snake. They are small however and comparatively harmless. This life and climate agree with me wonderfully. I was never in better health and weigh with light clothing 162 pounds! Yesterday Charley and I called at a house, near here, where Gen. Washington's grand-nephew lives and became acquainted with his daughters, the old Genl's great-grand nieces. They are F.F.V.'s of the bluest blood, being to all appearances very poor and very proud. We were very kindly treated; notwithstanding the hatred everybody here has for the Yankees and the outrageous stories they have been led to believe concerning US. The women are especially violent and wicked as she-devils. One lady (?) told Col. Kane, who has been suffering from an attack of the ague, that she was glad a Federal officer had the ague and hoped it would shake him to death. Another said she considered it a religious duty to hate the Yankees. Yesterday Secretaries Stanton and Seward were down here and took a ride across the canal-boat bridge through Fredericksburg. We have not occupied the city in force and the Rebel pickets come down the road to within a mile of the city and watch our movements. We are expecting however to move across at any moment now. We have one substantial bridge built upon canal-boats and the pontoniers are placing a pontoon bridge today. You will hear any news from other points quicker than we. The news of the evacuation of Yorktown, which we have just learned, without particulars, puzzles us somewhat. You will see the confirmation of Gen. Ord as Maj. Genl. of Vols. The probability is that he will be placed in command of our division and McCall superseded. In this event I apprehend some trouble among our B.G.'s.
I have had many a longing to be at home this spring and many a wish that this war were ended to satisfaction. A year ago I did not think I was leaving such a burden upon you. Yet I do not see what other course I could have pursued. I seem to have some aptitude for this business and when the time came something impelled me irresistibly into the step I took. I have gained much in experience--real, practical, worldly wisdom--and have not, I trust, allowed the corrupting influences of the field and camp to demoralize me. This war has killed off much worthless trash, has ruined many of promise; but still more it has brought out and developed and educated. Swayne and myself sleep in a splendid bed, made out of small poles covered with cedar boughs then with our blankets. Our mail currier [sic] is ready to go-Goodbye-Love to all.
Your loving brother,
Chas. Frederick Taylor