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with the Rebel rear, until we again overtook them at this place which is called, I believe, "rough hill," and where they have again turned, temporarily, at bay. It is now 11 o'clock a.m. - and we are in momentary expectation of the order which is to put us in motion upon them. Our batteries are already at work, and our Regiment (124 guns only) is designated for skirmish duty. That is the way in which we are spending the 4th, trying to bring back the meaning and the purpose of the land to the thought of the noble fathers who won it for their children and for the world. How greatly I should like to be with you to-day, away from the pitiless sun, the dust, the discomfort of the hour and place. What talk of books, of art, of music, on men and women to be revered, we would have - would we not? And what a quantity of "strawberries and cream" I should devour, and how lazy and dreamy I should be. - But these things are just now for others; tho it's still left for me to understand your friendship and to desire it - to mingle your memories with thoughts of all high and ennobling things - and to be - always - under all circumstances, Yours Most Truly, Richard Realf.