The following letter was written by Alanson Edson Kimball, Jr. (1838-1927), the son of Alanson Kimball (1807-1888) and Josephine Hobby (1810-1882) of Orleans county, New York. Alanson enlisted on 26 August 1862 at Lockport to service in the 17th New York Light Artillery (the “Orleans Battery”). He manned the center 3rd gun. He mustered out of the battery on 12 June 1865.

In his letter, Alanson references his brother Henry (“Hank”) Harrison Kimball (1840-1880) who served in Co. F, 3rd US Regular Infantry.

Alson wrote the letter to his cousin, Alanson Kimball Bacon (1835-1927 of Albion, Orleans county, New York. He was the son of Hosea and Matilda (Kimball) Bacon.

Transcription

Fairfax Court House, Va.
Thursday Morning, Nov. 12th 1863

Dear Cousin,

I have often thought of writing to you, but have never got at it until now. This morning finds me well and in the best of spirits. The Battery has just gone out for drill. We drill most every day. We go out about eight and drill about an hour and come in and the rest of the day we spend fixing up our camp. I think we have got the prettiest camp I ever saw. It is situated about thirty yards west of the Court House. I think if we could stay here this winter, we could enjoy ourselves, but it is rather uncertain about our staying. We will know in a few days if we go.

We will go into the Army of the Potomac. I would like to go if we could go into the 5th Corps. Hank is in that Corps. I had a letter from him about two weeks ago. He was then at Cedar Run. He was well. When the army fell back here, he came within two hundred yards of our camp. I did not know what Brigade and Division he was in or I should of found him. I wish you could been here when the army was back here. It looked the most like war I ever saw it. The road and fields was filled with troops and wagons for miles. This Government is a big machine or it never could keep the thing a running.

There will be some large battles fought before the first of December. They will not get a chance to concentrate their forces at different points as they have before. It is the intention to give them battle at different points. I would be glad to see this cruel war ended, but not till every traitor lays down his arms and confesses his wrongs. I would like to see them all come out as that Rebel General did in Arkansas. I presume you have read his address.

I received a letter from Ebenezer the other day and he said your Father would like to hire my money. I should be glad to let him have it. I want it where it is safe, so if I should ever return home again, I could have it.

Mr. Brown arrived in camp last Sunday. He is not looking so well as he did when he left here. It was a good opportunity for him to go home. I would like a chance to come home in that way. My respects to all, — Alanson Kimball Jr., 17th N. Y. V. Battery Washington, D. C.

Write soon.