Camp 20th Maine Vols, near Culpepper, Va.
Dear Brother:
I will improve a few moments this afternoon in writing you. We still remain in the camp that we had when we first came here but I learn that the Cavalry crossed the Rapidan today and perhaps the Infantry may have that privilege soon. This is a very pretty country when we all encamp. Although it is in almost its natural state — man has done nothing to improve it for two years — and have been burning up fences all this time. The city is large and much [illegible] than I expected to see.
Holman Melcher to brother, Nathaniel Melcher [Holman Melcher Papers]