I received a letter from you yesterday morning and was glad to hear that you were all and the same found us in the circumstances That letter was dated the 24th Well in the first place I will give you an account of our sudin disapereance Just before I got ready to answer yours of the 24 with Stamps in we had orders to strike tents as soon as possible where we were going we did not know but we herd that we were going to Richmond but we got to Lancaster and we did not take that pike so we came back to Camp Dick Robinson but we was not to stop there for there was a big scare on hand

We had to go to Hickmans Bridge where we are now it is the Hd..Q of the Army of C..Ky They are fortifying it there was no buildings or camp and now they have it strongly fortifyed 3 goverment steam mills circular saw a waggon shop a blacksmith shop and several other buildings convalescent camp and taken it all in all it is growing very fast We marched 27 miles yesterday we started at 11 oclock in the forenoon and never stoped to rest untill half past 2 this morning so you can see whether we marched or not on the stone pike the worst road to use up a fellow from his hips down it is so solid it is just like a ledge and we was most suffocated with lime dust from the pike

and it is so hot that the sweat just drops off from me The report is that there is some 9,000 to 12,000 rebs in the state and they seam to be afraid of them I would rather not get into an engagement but I might as well be killed by the enemy as by marching Old Gen Gilbert commanding the Brigade severe he would never march a lot of men as hedid us again he said he would be cashire before he would do it there is no great news of any importance that I have herd only in Ky and I cannot believe all that I hear Well I must close for it is getting dark good by write soon and all of the news give my love to

all enquireing friends and reserve a share for yourself

H E Randall