Life in camp, winter camp, concern for parents health

Camp near Fairfax Court House

Oct 14^th 1861

Dear Father,

I again take this opportunity of writing you a few lines not to give you any news for there is nothing in camp that will interest anyone.  It is a drill at 9 o’clock and a dress parade at 5 ½ o’clock from one day after another.  Occasionally a rumor that we will have a fight soon that none of us believes as we so often hear such  We have just returned from picket duty  one of the most pleasant of all the duties as there is some excitement in the “Watch”.  We were near enough to enemy camp to hear their drums and the firing of their cannon.  But they did not come in shooting distance  this time  I do not know how or where we will winter  Some of our men in authority think we will go to Winchester to quarters for the winter but this I think quite doubtful and much more so from the fact that a force will be required near the Potomac to protect the crest and keep back the enemy from Manassas Junction  I have not heard from the Doctor or Robe  I suppose they are well.  I hope your health is better than when I left.  I have been quite anxious to hear from home on your account and mothers ever since I left.  Hoping to hear from home soon and hearing how you are

much better. I wait with much anxiety to hear from home. I shall write frequently and hope to hear from you all very soon.

Your Affectionate Son,
James T. Gleaves Jr.