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Warm Springs
Bath County, VA
September 3, 1863

Dear Father and Mother:
I presume you have gotten some what uneasy about me as I have not written for 10 or 12 days. The reason of this is, we have been on the march for upwards of a week. I have had no time to write and even now, I am writing a few hurried lines after arriving at or rather taking up camp. Last Tuesday morning today one week ago, we left camp at Liberty Mills in Orange County and started in the direction of Charlottesville. We arrived there Wednesday evening having marched in the two days, 20 miles. There we remained till Friday morning. Then we took the train and came on as far as Hillboro in this county. That was about 80 miles. There we drew four days rations of crackers and bacon, put them in our haversacks and started after the Yankees. You have no doubt heard of them trying to make a raid through here. We arrived at this place Saturday evening and have been scouting about through the country ever since. The Yankees are all gone but not without destroying the greater portion of the crop of small grain through here. The Warm Springs are the greatest curiosity I have seen yet. The water boils up out of the earth, and if any difference, a little warmer than milk just from a cow. There are 3 bathing houses, one for the gentlemen, one for the ladies and one for the children. I went in the bath myself. It is about 25 feet in diameter and about chin deep. When I first went in I could scarcely bear the water. It felt like there certainly must have been fire about it. All the Springs together afford nearly as much water as "Stophles run." We will pass Hot Springs tomorrow, I expect. I am anxious to see them. We are now on our way to Lewisburg or some where in that portion of the country. We are now about 125 miles from where we were when I wrote you before and I think we will get back nearer home in a month or so. I hope we will winter at the Narrows again. When you write me again direct my letter to Dublin. I will stop now as it is getting nearly dark.

Greenbriar Co.VA Sept. 4th
I will now write a few more lines and finish my letter. Yesterday we made a very hard march and I did not have time to finish my letter after we got to camp. We camped last night in Alleghany County. Tonight we are camping on the battleground where part of General Jones men fought the Yankee cavalry a few days ago. From the marks on the timber, fences and buildings it was a pretty hot little fight. Cannon balls and minnies have riddled the timber pretty smartly. This battle ground is 1/2 mile from White Sulphur Springs in Monroe Co. We have a three days march yet of 15 miles per day and then the Col. says we will get to rest awhile if nothing happens. I forgot to tell you we had a considerable frost in Bath Co. Saturday and Sunday nights. The corn blades were smartly bitten. Was there any frost in Wythe? I must now close. I want you to write as soon as you get this direct to Dublin, care of the Capt. Co.,and Regiment as before. I am very anxious to hear from the children. How have they gotten with whooping cough? This leaves me well and I hope it finds you all the same.

I remain as ever, Your devote son,
Thomas W. Fisher
                                 
 
 
 
COPYRIGHT© 1998 Dianne McGinley Gardner - All rights reserved.  Copies for personal use and research may be freely made.  Commercial use is prohibited without permission.

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