I apologize for the length of this but was so impressed with the language of the era. Hope you enjoy! Van Buren Press Van Buren, Arkansas- Crawford County March 8, 1890 AN OLD LETTER Camp Upper Marlborough, July 28, 1814. My Dear Brother: My last letter to you was dated from Geo Town, since which my time has been so much occupied in marching and counter marching and taken up with the business of our regiment that I assure you I have had but little time to devote to other things. In my last I think I informed you I was then on my way to Benedict, a small town on the Patuxent to take command of the troops there, being a part of the 36th & 38th infantry, a small detachment of light artillery & about 18 prs, the latter under the com'd of a Lieut. & 40 men of the 36th detached for that purpose Before I joined the troops an order had been issued for them to move and camp near the head of south river. I took command of them on their march a few miles from Benedict, passed thro' Nottingham, Upper Marlbourough & Queen Ann, and took a position at the head of South River about 6 miles from Annapolis. We had not been more than three days encamped at the head of South River when I rec'd an order to return immediately to Nottingham, the order was rec'd about sun down on Sunday week last & by dark we took up the line of march, and continued it till the middle of the night & the violence of the rain compelled us to halt in the road we were exposed to all the inclemency of a violent storm without any shelter whatever. A more dreadful night I scarcely ever was out in. We were marching over one of the most wild and broken tracts I ever passed through, the road stretching thro' stupendious hills and alongside of steep and dangerous craigs, the horrors of the night were increased by a violent thunderstorm, the scene was truly awful & grand, the peals of thunder was reverberated manyfold by the surrounding hills whose summits were exhibited in terrific grandeur by the sheets of lightening that played incessantly around them. We continued our march to this place, which we reached the next day. I have been here ever since. When we were ordered from South river it was expected that the enemy were to make another attack on Barney's flotilla, they had advanced up the Patuxent & I have no doubt intended it & I think it very probable our approach prevented it. We have endeavored by every means to induce them to land and give us battle but as yet they have avoided it, they have never attempted to land near us, but as soon as we leave the waters they commence their pillaging and burning, they have destroyed a vast deal of property & burnt many private dwellings in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary's Counties, they last week burnt the court house at Calvert. It would indeed be almost an endless task to relate all the outrages that have been committed in this part of the country. Do let me hear from you soon. I have not been favored with a letter from you since I left you, send your letter to John who will forward it. I cannot direct you with any certainty where to address me as I expect in a day or two to move from this, should you write to me here direct your letter tot he care of Capt. Brooks who will forward it to me. It will perhaps be best to enclose it to John. I have gained strength, I am certainly better since I have been with the regiment. The only inconvenience I have felt is a violent pain in my left shoulder when I have been long on horseback. This, I am in hopes will wear off, so my dear Brother let me frequently hear form you and be assured I shall write you as often as I can. With sincere regard for you all I remain, your affectionate Brother, Wm. Scott. Fran Alverson Warren