23rd in a series.

Edwin’s letter to “Friend Mary” continued…

I found the boys getting into line and I caught the fever. I didn’t wait for any orders but got my knapsack packed and was in the line just as they was starting. I thought the cooking could take care of itself for all I cared. We was soon on the move and we walked through a large field of about 100 acres in front of our forts and was soon in the enemies’ forts. We found them to be very strong. That is if I am any judge. I have seen a number of our forts that was said to be some of the strongest and I think that there wasn’t any of them as strong as these we passed through this morning. They have one fort behind another and entrenchments from one to the other. So that they can retreat back under ground, they have thousands of sacks filled with sand and piled one upon the other for to strengthen their works. The rebels have taken everything with them but a few tents which they left standing. We passed on through some fine fields and passed some fine looking residences after we had left the forts behind about half mile we found the road strewn with blankets, coats and some of those large knives that the Rebs used to brag about. They are 14 inches long and 3 wide and about 1/4 of an inch thick on the back. More iron than I would like to carry.