Letter from Wm B. Stevens, dated 1861-12-22

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Please direct to Smith's Division care Capt. Mundee Washington Please remember me to [Nancie?] and the rest of my few acquaintances. Hoping that you won't forget the soldier I still am as ever Your Friend

Henry

Assistant Quarter Master's Office, Head-Quarters, Smith's Division, Camp Griffin Fairfax [Co.?] Va. Dec. 22d 1861

My Kind Friend -

I received your long expected letter this morning and I need scarcely say it was very welcome. In season and out of season yours are always so. It is true I had hoped to hear from you earlier and thought from your desire to have me write you would be more prompt, but as your own conscience condemns you. I will say no more but set you a good example which I earnestly hope you will follow. I am able to do more than I promised if you will give me a chance and I hope you will give me the chance which will be no more than you promised.

There never was a time when I had so much to write as now but I have but little time at my command. With all my duties my time is heavily taxed. I hardly write a letter without being interrupted once or twice, but by taking fragments I get considerable leisure time and of this I try to make the most. I have more to do than when I last wrote you. The different regiments are drawing a large amount of clothing and it is my duty to receive and issue it.

When at work I am mostly out doors and when I have to go anywhere the service furnishes me a horse. Our office is in a house and we can keep warm and dry all the time. I haven't been wet, cold or hungry since I came into the office. in all respects I fare just as well as I could ask to at home. My health too is first rate. Since I commenced studying it has not been better. Who cannot enjoy life so circumstanced? For victuals we fare first rate and at Thanksgiving we had a splendid supper. Turkey, roast beef and rice pudding were the principal dishes with other things to match. We have made preparations for a great dinner Christmas. Wish I could spend that week at home but wishing is vain. I couldn't be spared from the office and if I could a well man can't get a "firlo".

I have seen Willie to-day. He is improving since he was released from night duty. If he is careful he will do well enough but you know he will do for others when they are suffering even to his own detriment. He is a noble disinterested boy, and he will ever be kindly remembered by many a sick soldier. I think he will soon have a better chance. He can have a chance commissary department I think. It will be much more preferable to his present situation. In that position he will have lighter duty and better pay.

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There is but little war news in this vicinity - Our Division has done nothing but guard duty with an occasional scout or foraging expedition. There was a fight last Friday between a force of rebels and a portion of McCall's Division at Drainsville six miles from here. The result was a splendid victory on our side. Two Brigades of Smith's Division went out but the fight was over before they got there. I hardly think we shall do anything of importance this fall. It seems too bad to collect a large force here and do absolutely nothing with them. Have you read Gen Lane's speech made in the Senate a few days since? He speaks my sentiments exactly. Something should be done - it has been promised, the people expect it, the army is ready. Why wait? That's the question I am unable to answer. I cannot guess the policy of those in Command. My opinion changes daily. I was dissatisfied with Fremont's removal, and I think before the rebelliin shall be successfully crushed the government must do as he did. Before the God of of Hosts is on our side, the slaves must go free. I hope Cngress will abolish slavery. It is the only way to establish permanent peace. It does no good to remove effects when the cause remains. There never will any lasting peace as long as a man is held in bondage, but the cause removed the effects soon disappear

Affairs in the company are about as usual. I seldom visit the regiment now. They have removed to a a mile's distance. They have now a healthy location, in a pine grove. They now fare very well and are enjoying life finely. I never expect to go back. I have more than one string that I will pull before I will do that. I have nothing against any of them save a little matter which happened at Plainfield. They treat me very kindly now one and all. I can gain the goodwill of any one I care to, but I am too proud to [underline]stoop[/underline] much.

I received a letter from Tim a short time since, one from Delia also. They were both well. I have written Tim to-day. He has not been very punctual in his correspondence. I hope he will be more so as he writes excellent letters.

I have been to Washington twice already, once with Willie, once since when the death of Baker was announced in the Senate. It is a privilege to be allowed to visit our Capital, and had I time I would describe what I saw. I can't do it now but will make that the subject of my next letter. I would write a a line to Nancie but have no time for that either. I will send you a photograph, mine are not so good as Willie's but "such as I have give I thee." Won't you do me the favor to send me one of yours. It would be thankfuly rec'd.

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I have written but little of what I would gladly write. You must write me more promptly so I can have more chance to tell you the news as it transpires