William O. Holmes to Cary and Sarah, April 4, 1865

[page 15] Reserve Camp of Sig. Detach. Winchester Va April 4th 1865

Dear Sister

Cary and Sarah, Your long looked for letters came at last. I intended to have answered these yesterday, But we got the news of the Capture of Richmond in the forenoon and we were all so near wild, there was no use to think of writeing. I do not think you ever saw a set of men as near crazey, but it has subsided somewhat now. There was a salute fired, the bands done there best, Gen. Hancocks Hd. Qts. Was gay with flags, our boys had out a red Signal flag in the place of the old black one which has been flaping on top of the house all winter. Last night we made

[page 16] the night hideous with rockets, roman candles, countersign Signal lights & co. It was to much good news to take all at one dose, we nearly bursted. This morning we had orders to tare down tents and be packed up in an hour. The order was received with a cheer and our little town soon looked naked the roofs of our houses being transferred to the backs of our horses. We got ready to mount when an order came to put up tents and fix to stay over night. And now our town looks as if it never had been disturbed. We may not move for some time yet. And we may before tomorrow morning. We are in hopes that Lee will try this rout it will be the last of him. It makes but little difference which way he goes however as the Rebellion is gone up at any rate. The Cavelry went out this morning

[page 17] on a Reconiance in force. The dicovereys they make will probably determine how soon we leave We have spent three months here quitte pleasantly. But I do not want such soft Soldiering as this as long as the war lasts. When this thing is wound up I want to be there and see how it is done. I should like very much to be with Gen Sheridan. I expect that some of our boys who went with him are now shaking a Signal flag over Richmond. Sarah, you say you think that the feeling before going into a fight must be dreadful. A fellow feels sort of queer to be shure. But I never had half so bad feelings when in danger, that I have had when standing by the side of the graves of our men who had been buried by the Rebs as they fell. Not half as well as we would bury a dog at home. I have felt more like a

[page 18] coward then when thoughts came to my mind that such perhaps might some time be my fate some time, to be buried in such a manner and no friend to know whare, I have felt more like a coward then than when wounded by danger. I never have written much about my “Harbreadth escapes and adventures because I knew if you had seen many Soldiers you must be tired of such storys. But if I have any this summer I promise, you shall have the benefits of them. I had some photographs taken and was to get them to day but the Artist was ordered to the rear last night, and today, he pictures money and all are gone. I should have written to Will Olmsted but in the excitement of the Campaign last fall I neglected to do so and since have forgoten his adres.

Your Brother, Wm. O. Holmes