"Turn In"

Camp Alexander 9/3/1861
7th St. Washington, D.C.

Dear Emblem: - One of our gallant little band from Ocean County, is gone to his last and final rest. Poor Joel Groves, died in the hospital at Washington, on Sunday last. We had to put him into the hospital as soon as we reached the city, I did not think he would live to get here, as he was so bad coming on the cars that he could not hold his head up. We tried to get him to go home at Trenton, but he would not go. The Surgeon said, when he was taken taken to the hospital, that one of his lungs was entirely gone. He was beloved by all the Company, and every man felt sincere grief this afternoon when they heard of his death. Please inform his parents of the loss of their young and interesting son.

We expect to move from here tomorrow, about three miles, to the Chain Bridge, which crosses the Potomac, near the Maryland shore. I will write as soon as we get settled in our new Camp so that you will know where to send the "Emblem," that it may arrive safely. We have instituted, I think, a grand and good thing. It is this:-We hold, in our different tents, prayer meetings every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. These meetings are well attended, and as quiet, orderly and attentive as any that I have attended. Last Sunday morning we had Divine service in the woods just back of our Camp. We were all marched out there about nine o’clock and drawn in a square to listen to a sernon from the Rev. Mr. Robbins, of Washington City. He was listened to with great great attention to the end of his discourse, which lasted about an hour.

On Sunday evening the Capt., 1st Lieut., and seven Non Commissioned officers went over to Meridan Hill, which is only about half a mile from our camp, for a walk. The view from the Hill is really magnificent. When we had reached the top of it we had to pause for a few moments, in admiration, to gaze upon the glorious scene which lay stretched out before our Nature loving eyes. You can gaze for miles around upon the beautiful landscape which is spread out before you, clothed in Nature’s most beautiful garment. Down at our feet, in a delightful valley which is nearly surrounded by hills, is situated the Capitol of this mighty Republic; and just now the last rays of the setting sun are shining upon it a mass of glorious splendor. To the south we can see Virginia’s once happy but now distracted land, glittering in the receding beams of the departing sun, covered with the white tents of the noble defenders of the Nation’s honor and existence. On every hill top and in every valley are seen the tents of the patriot volunteers who have left their peaceful homes in defence of this glorious country and its sacred cause. I write this in haste, as I expect to hear a call every moment, "Turn in."

More Anon,
J.F. Thibeaudeau

(This writer is with Company F., 14th Regiment NJ Vols.) Ed. - Al Platt