Written from "Camp at Fairmount, Near Fredericksburg," Virginia. The letter contains comments about military life, includng marching, lack of rations, talking with Confederate soldiers encamped across the river, and cavalry foraging for food.

Nov. 20th/ 62 Camp at Fairmount Near Fredericksburg, Va.

Dear Father, Having a little spare time I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. Do you keep Hens if so do they lay and if they do lay do they lay rotton Eggs, if they do I wish you would save them for when I get home I am agoing to rotton Egg some of these Officers. My pen won't make a mark more than half of the time. Sunday morning at 9 o'clock we left Warrenton and marched to Catlin Station about 18 miles the next day we marched about 8 the next, 10 the next 8 so you can see that the Army is not laying still. Yesterday it rained all day and last night all night but we lay dry and slept good. Yesterday we marched within 1 mile of the Reb's Pickets they were close to the River and ours on this side they could talk across and blow about Burnside [that] we won't get to Richmond this Winter. We could see their Batterys all planted and why did they not fire because we had 3 Batterys of 20 lbders allready to give them fits. We expected to be shelled last night but was not. This morning they have exchanged shots with us but no damage done yet. Our Cavalry went across the river the other night and came back in a hurry in every shape they were badly scared. In all probability there will be a Battle here in a few days that will count something. I have not heard anything of Box since I sent by the Quarter Master. I don't believe it will ever come to me if it don't I will do something to make it up so as not to lose it all. I am about out of Stamps again and if you would send me a little money I would be very much obliged for it. It is pretty hard times for rations I don't know what the reason is but they are a little short. By the looks of the Heavens the good weather is about all over and it is about time of year to, it is some fun along the road to see the People gather their Hens and Hogs and Cattle. the Cavalry will go onto a Plantation and clear it so it goes. I will bet Va. won't want another War after this is over. The Cattle Drivers came to flock of Sheep they drove them [off] not a word said about pay. I should think that would rather incline to discourage a man don't you think so. We have been traveling over a very poor Country it inclines to be flat and no soil but rock slate stone could not be plowed at all. the lay of the land is very nice it won't make much difference how it lays if it is not good for nothing. We have been about around the [good]. soon you will of the [93?]and Head Quarters and the Army retreating to Washington in good order. We are traveling the same old road of the 22 and others to Bull Run and back. Bull Run and back, so it goes. The Rebs must have their way part of the time they do at least, all well and [was?] tough and hearty. W. W. Hawkins, in haste.