Dear Mary,-

We are on the Heights yet but out scouting every day. The snow has all gone and left the woods and ground very wet and the roads very muddy. The road runs through our Camp. The night of the 7th John Snyder was on duty as picket on this road and Colonel McDougall rode out to inspect the picket line and got outside the line on the road. He was approaching John's post when John challenged him with, "Halt, who comes there?" He replied, "Colonel McDougall." John said, "Dismount and advance and give the countersign." The mud was knee deep and the Colonel did not like to get into the mud but tried to get John to let him pass, he says. John knew his duty and replied, "I don't know Colonel McDougall when I am on picket and he is outside the line. Dismount, advance and give the countersign." The Colonel complied with John's order, gave the word over the point of his bayonet, led his horse past the line, mounted and rode to his quarters. The next day when John came off duty the Colonel sent for him and complimented him for performing his duty.

We have been on the move again and did not have time to finish my letter so will try and finish it now. We are now in Camp in London Valley, Va., only two miles from Harpers Ferry, and it is reported we will winter here. We are preparing to lay out streets and put up good quarters. We are in a sassafras grove on the side of a hill or gradual slope. We came here yesterday. Mr. H. R. Cowan and Mr. Crosier came to Camp today. They expect to take their sons home with them. I have seen Mr. Cowan. His baggage has not arrived yet so I have not got my package. I have a severe cold. Several of the men are sick from the exposure on the mountain. Our work here now is very hard as we will have to clear the ground of all brush. This work with the drills will keep me busy. I will write as often as I can. With love to you and Ella,