Written by 2 nd Lt. Hartwell W. Freeman, 40 th Mass. Infantry, on single folded lined letter sheet, headed: Camp Munsons Hill, 11 ½ Oclock, P.M. Oct 14 th (1862) My Dear Parents I think it is rather strange that I do not hear from you...We are all under arms at this moment, and probably shall be until we are attacked as the rumor that a large body of rebel cavalry is outside of us a little ways has been confirmed. We are all ready as nearly as we can be for an attack. The Col. Is in the saddle. The cooks have been waked up to cook two days rations. We now lie between Monsons and Uptons Hill, our battery is on Munsons Hill. I have no time to write more. I am not well. Our boy is lying on the bed in the tent with a fever. The 1 st Lt. Is also sick. He is at one of the neighboring houses recovering his strength. The Capt. Is not quite well. The weather has been wet and cloudy for some days past. Write soon. Love to all. From your aff. Son Hartwell P.S. Our being attacked is near certain, but we are ready for them. H.W.F. This is followed by a inked map of two hills one on left labeled Munsons Hill and Battery with cannon, valley in center with 40 th regt. With five tents in a row and to right label Uptons Hill. Both Munsons & Uptons hills are in Fairfax Co. Virginia and where occupied by both armies during the war. The hill is 367 feet above sea level and has a commanding view of the surrounding country and even as far as Washington D.C. Condition normal folds, VG+.m From a group of letters recently found in a Kentucky estate.