Garibaldi Guard
Near Fairfax, Va.
July 17th 10 o’clock
We have marched ten miles today and though I am very tired, I have walked a mile further to a Virginia farm house, to write. I could get no water today to drink, and now a good colored Aunty is getting me a nice supper with milk and coffee. Will it not taste good!!! My trunk and all my things are in my hut in Alexandria. I sleep to night with the stars for my cover lid. I have my cloak and blanket. We were ordered to take nothing more. I advance tomorrow at day light in peace and happiness.
10 miles from Manassas
July 20th, 1861
We expect a general battle to day and a severe one. If I fall, I die for my country.
J. C. R.
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Orange, New Jersey
July 20, 1861
Dear Mrs. Rice,
Though the news from the seat of war is very sad, and our future hopes for our country seem darkened, still personally we have to be thankful that the Garibaldi Brigade were not in the contest, but a reserve corps, at Centerville, and they probably retreated with the army to the entrenchments near Washington.
Respectfully yours,
J. Thorpe

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