March 19, 1863

From 22d Ga. Reg't

CAMP NEAR GUINEA STATION, Va.,
		March 6th, 1863.
Dear Courier:--We have somewhat
"changed our base," since our last wri-
ting. Not like the "Young Napoleon"
(obscured ) ...our gunboats for protection, but
(obscured) ...etely because "Fightihg Joe Hooker,"
tried to pay us a visit, we were 
well prepared to give him a cordial
reception.  It seems that whenever we 
work  and toil very hard to prepare a
(obscured)...for the coming Yankees; it is then
they premptorilly refuse to accept 
our invitation.
It has invariably been the case, that
whenever our army has made much 
preparatiuon to meet them, they failed
to advance.  At least this has been the
experience of your correspondent.--
There are none of us exceedingly anx-
ious to engage the enemy, but if no-
thing will satisfy their animosity, but a
fight, we would much rather have 
fought them at our position there, than
anywhere we have been in sometime.
   However we did have two battles, a
few days before we left our camp up
there.  One on the 23rd, and the other
on the 24th of Feb.  The battles were
between our regiment and the 3d Ga.
Long and doubtful was the contest of
the first day's battle; at length the 22d
began to drive them back.  Still the 
battle raged with great fury and ener-
gy,  finally we drove them into their
camps(?), and the field was left in our 
possesion. Then we won the
victory.
   It will be remembered the 3rd Ga. made
the attack.  The second day's fight was
contested with equal skill and bravery.
The 22d was slowly gaining ground, and
(obscured)...very fair way to whip the fight,
(obscured)...the order was given to retire
from the field, but the enemy did not
pursue us.
   We took one "contraband" in the
(obscured)..day's fight, but returned him, as
we had but little use for him.  Now
kindly reader, these were only "snow
(obscured - may be bullets).
   On the 22d ult., we were ordered to
strike tents and send off all extra bag-
age, which was done.  That night
there came a very severe snow storm,
the severest we ever witnessed.  It was
extremely cold; the wind seemed to
come the near way from the North 
pole.
   We were so cold, owing to the keen
wind and drifting snow, covering us
where we lay, trying to sleep, that we
are compelled to "retreat," from our
pleasant beds, build fires and stand
around them until morning, to prevent
freezing.
   We remained at that camp until the
?th.  We then started on the march.
(obscured)...day was beautiful and bright, but
rather disagreeable marching through
the snow, which was about ten inches
deep.  That night we spread our blan-
kets and lay down upon the snow to
sleep.  Slept very well; next morning
waked and found it raining.  We then
had six miles to march to reach these
quarters.  It continued to rain without
ceasing until we reached our destina-
tion.  We expected to have gone fur-
her south than this place, as our bag-
gage was all sent to Hamilton's Cross-
ing, to be shipped to Richmond.
   We are now camped about five miles
from Guinea Station, we have very
comfortable quarters here.
   These we found here on our arrival,
they were built by troops who were
formerly camped here.  The bunks are
built of wood, set up and covered over
with earth.  They are all shapes and
sizes, somewhat resembling potatoe
(obscured).
   It is rumored that we will leave this
place on the 12th inst.  Some say to
the coast of Ga., but we do not credit
the report, though it is certain Gen.
Wright has been off trying to get his brig-
gade transferred to the coast.  The Gen.
is absent now, but we know not, for 
what cause.  It is not supposed that
we will remain here very long.
  The health of cour company is not so
bad as was at our last writing.--
Serg't. Dykes, Serg't Johnson, Serg't
Leigh?, Thomas, private pierce,
(obscured)...recently been sent off sick.
W. Archer, W. Morris, G. P. Bell, and
cpl Drummonds are sick in camp,
but not seriously.
   The weather is quite cool at this 
time.  It appears like we will have 
snow again soon.
   We had an election in the Fireside
Defenders a short time since, for jr. 2d
Lieutenant, which resulted in the selec-
tion of Serg't A. G. M. Combee.  He
appeared before a board of examiners,
and being adjudged competent, was
announced to his command.         H.