FINDING AIDS

No. 19

Alexandria[,] Virginia

September 9th[,] 1863

Friend Knight

Well, we Shiped [sic] off rather sudden after all, but thats always the way. Cant depend on appearances. In less than an hour after you left we were ordered away, and marched down to Fulton Ferry amidst a crowd [of] men, women, and children -- was sorry to see many of the Fair damsels shed tears. We boarded one of the Ferry boats and landing in New York, marched, up part of Broadway (past Barnums) and down to the wharf of the New York, Havana, California and N. Orleans lin[e] of steamers -- began to think we were going away down south, but we were put on board (and stowed in the hole) of the steamer Empire City bound for Alexandria. Farewell Brooklyn here goes for Army of the Potomac[.] Well, I took my regular ration of Sea sickness. And thanked Heaven when we landed. May it be the last trip in a transport[.]

Here we are in that detestable of all cities Alexandria Va[.]

Our visit to Brooklyn hasnt improved the looks of this town any. We expect to take the cars this afternoon or tomorrow for our old position[.] The 2d Corps now lays at Stafford Court House[.] I am sorry that everything worked against you -- and am afraid it didnt pay you but never mind, come and see me again, and I will do better[.] If I live, and the army goes into winter quarters, I shall try and get a furlough -- and visit Massachusetts. (And by the way, I will have more money than I did the day we visited the city of N York)[.] I havent got fairly well yet as this letter will show -- but thought I would drop you a line and let you know where we are. Write me as soon as you get this[.] As soon as we arrive at the front I will write you again[.] You can resume the old direction Washington, D.C.

Yours in haste

G. W. Knight [/] E A Walker