Camp Stonewall Brig 
Oct 21st  1863 
Dear Sister- 
 Contrary to my expectations we are nearer Richmond today than Washington.  Our army pursued Mead endeavoring to cut him off at Manasses but he was too swift footed for us and reached his fortifications around Centerville and as there was no way to flank his position except by crossing the Potomac, and as experience has taught us that that will not pay, after destroying the railroad from Bristoe Station (within seven miles of Manassas) to the Rapahonack, Lee slowly withdrew his army to this side of the Rapahanock.   
 
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What the next move the enemy may make is doubtful, it may be by the Fredericksburg route, or he may try McClellans old tramping ground (the Peninsular) as the railroad is so completely destroyed he cannot come this way.  Whatever it may be, the viligent eyes of a Lee, will soon discover and he will be ready to meet them at any point- 
 I have heard from Chapin, who is a Gordonsville, so I may get yet any thing that you have sent by him.  I think that it is hardly probable that we will have another campaign here this winter, and if we do not go to Tenn. we will in all probability soon go into winter quarters either on the Rapanhanock 
 
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or on the Rapidan. 
 Oh, how much this army has lost in the death of Jackson.  I think Lee instead of losing his arm by his death has lost his head. 
 I have time to write no more as the mail will leave soon.   Good bye 
A.T.B. 
 
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Mr. Patton 
 D Sir 
  I have made about one half my shoes, I will need both sole and upper, for the rest Please send my leather by the boy.  Kate has been very sick, but is now much better and will I hope soon be well. 
        Yrs 
         L. H. Paxton