Letter #63 Envelope addressed: Mrs. F. D. Wheeler Saratoga Springs New York Before Fredericksburg Va May 2d at 4 P.M. Dear Mother I rec'd your letter last night just as we were drawn up in line of battle, expecting an attack from the enemy. I sat down on the ground and read it, also one from Alice rc'd at the same time. We have been very fortunate, our corps and the first was left opposite Fredericksburg to keep the enemy from coming over. Four pontoon bridges were laid two at the same place we crossed before and two, two miles lower down, an Div. was put across at each place to make the enemy think we were going to attack them here, while the bulk of the army under Hooker in person, crossed, above their left and have been fighting for the last four days, driving them towards us. I can now see the balloon which is with him, going up right in the rear of the city. we have seen the rebel troops passing Pg2 from their (left--crossed out) right to their left, towards Hooker for two days. Our Div. has not crossed the river at all, nor have we been under fire for a minute, and I think we shall not see any fighting this time, but most of the army is catching it. The 30th has been over but has not lost a man, they are near us and are now on this side. We are now on picket three miles below the city on the river bank, the rebels are just across but do not fire. I think Hooker has them now- I hear we have Hanover Court House, thus cutting them off from their supplies, they must now come out of their holes and fight us on our own ground or starve and surrender. The army is in excellent spirits and confident of success. The weather is splendid and ground dry. I rained the firs two dys we were out but we did not suffer as it was warm. The postage stamps were all right. I sent this morning by express $380.~, ten for Frank, which Mr Pierce paid me, five for my bill, ten for my order from Charley (Henderson?) and five for things which I shall send for from time to time, as postage stamps &c. There will then be left $350.~, lend over top of Pg1 Frank $200. as I told you and father can keep the other $150.~ if should want to use it. I have not seen John Riley since he came the first time. I found my bill so much at the sutlers that I could not send $400. as I told you. I am well, and have not been enough sick to mention it, only had a little cold. -- Ruth Barton mrgjb@sover.net Dummerston, VT