Chambersburg Penn

June 28th 1863

Dearest One

You will see by the caption that we are in the enemies country, and so far has amply paid for the invasion. We are all liveing on the fat of the land.

I suppose that when Genl Ewel first came the people were frightened half to death, but they are getting somewhat used to the rebs. There has been thousands of the finest horses I ever saw taken for the use of the army besides wagons, forage, and every other supply for the army.

There is the finest wheat, now nearly ripe, vegetables, etc., which will bee used for the army if we remain here. The wanton destruction of private property is prevented as much as possible my the Mily Authorties, but the men are so enraged at the way we have been used they dont want half a chance to appropriate to their own use any sheep, hogs, chicken, contents of a milk house, or garden, that may happen to be near.

Many of the people will take Confed. money, others will tell us to just help ourselves to any thing we want, and some few will complain, when up goes every thing in sight of a reb. They say we treat them much better than they expected, acknowledging that their men have acted wrong in making war upon unarmed people. There are a good many who say they are peace democrats or copperheads, have always been opposed to the war.

We are about two hundred and thirty miles from Richmond Va so yo see if we should bee defeated here and have to make a retreat, we would have a hard time of it, but I will trust that to God, Genl Lee, and the pluck of our men.

We are between the blue ridge, and Aleghana mountains, the richest and most beautiful country I ever beheld. I hat[e] to see such a fine country in the possession of such people. We have made this long march without the loss of many men, and it is not over yet by far, for the army is still moveing on.

All are in the finest spirits. I think we will have the Capitol (Harrisburg) ere long. From the Yanky papers I judge Hooker is verry much puzzled about what Lee intends doing. We will bee certain to have to fight before long. To day the papers of the 24th have cheering news from our own state.

Darling if I should get wounded here and left behind, I have friends here that will acquaint you of the fact, but now if such should befall me, for my sake dont bee uneasy about me, if not for your own, though I dont fear any thing of the kind, for I have been in many hot places, and have come out safe. My trust is still in the same God that has always shielded me from harm.

Capt. is sick with diarhea, but has kept up by rideing in the ambulance. All the rest are well. The mail boy is waiting. Give my love to all, and may the good Lord bring this unholy war to a speedy end, and may we all bee permitted to return to loved at home is the daily prayer of your every devoted

Newton

P.S. I am in fine health