[Letter]: 1862-08-23 from Joseph to Mother

1862 August 23 from J. D. Richardson (Washington D. C.) to Mother re: looking for a letter from her, so he decided to write now as he couldn’t yesterday because he was Sergeant of the Guard again until 9 o’clock in the morning and too late to send one, so he is writing by candlelight. The stir of the War Department is increasing - all the hills around Washington and Alexandria are white with tents crowded with troops, horses, mules, baggage wagons and ambulances running day and night. Reports from the battlefield are that the army is fighting hard but haven’t drove the enemy back eight miles. The old regiment that has been assisting them has gone away and there is strong talk that he will have to go in a week. He will box up the clothes he does not need and send them to her and some money which he should have done but thought he would come home. He has not spent his money foolishly on rum or outcast women but spent it for food and clothing. The Beverly boys are well and send their best. [envelope stamped Washington Aug 24 1862, addressed to Mr. Wm Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]