Will Fisher to his mother
Camp of the 123rd
June 6, 1863

Dear Mother

I deem it necessary to write a little note to you tonight as I may not have another chance before we leave, for we have got marching orders again, 8 days rations.
It is now about 10 o’clock PM. This afternoon, from 4 till 6, we heard some of the most terrific canon firing I ever heard. It was in the direction of the Rappahannock. It was awful, & now while I write some of the boys that were down that way on passes are coming in & they say that the 2nd & 6th Corps have crossed the river & advanced toward the enemy till this afternoon when they had a desperate fight. The results are unknown They crossed about 15 miles below the town. We are undoubtedly about to make another grand struggle for the old Union & may an all wise Providence preserve us & direct our leaders aright.
I have as yet unbounded confidence in Gen. Hooker, but a good many have not. I have heard some pretty hard stories about Gen. Hooker which I do not believe. However, one was this. On our arriving at Chancellorsville & having completed his arrangements of the line of battle he is said to have said “I now have a position that God Almighty can’t drive me out of.” This is awful, if true, but I don’t think it is.
I was sergeant of the picket last night & I had one man shot in the arm. I think by a guerilla. We have to be pretty wide awake now days.
But the taps are beating & I must close & hope we will not have to start tonight.
I was thinking of the contrast between my situation & John’s just at present.
I got a letter from Aunt Taggart tonight, all well.
But goodnight, with a prayer for preservation. I know that you pray much for me. I must confess this fighting makes one feel a little serious.

I am ever your boy,
Will

P.S. I like to forgot Aunt S. & my sister, “ahem."