Near Centerville, Va. Oct 17 1861

Dear Brother

I wrote you a letter a few days ago from camp Toombs, then I was under the impression that we would have fought a battle before this time. But it is yet to come, and from present appearances it is not many days hence: Our pickets and forces are being drawn in near this place and we are throwing up some breast works east of Centerville on the most advantageous positions. What the forces are on our side is that of the enemy of course we privates cannot tell: but I think there are not less than twenty five thousand and troop in sight of where I now write, but the country is very open and I can see a good ways. I hear it reported in camp that the federals are advancing on us in three columns with ninety thousand troops. We had just returned from picket duty in seven or eight miles from Alexandria, we were very much wearrid from travel and want of sleep, and had just laid down on a good bed of straw and were congratulating ourselves on a good nights sleep when we had orders to retreat beyond Centerville, some four or five miles: there was no use in grumbling so we had to pack up and travel, and we got to this camp about day break. It cannot be many days till we have a fight. Whether we will make a final stand here at Centerville or fall back west of Bull Run (nearby) I cannot tell. Bull Run would be a stronger place as it's banks are steep and perpendicular, and generally a gradurally rising ground on the south side. I have no doubt it will be a hard fought battle. McClellan says he wishes to fight the battle over again at Manassa to wipe out the disgrace sustained at that place: May heaven give them a more disastrous defeat every time they meet a Southern for their cause certainly deserves it: and I have no doubt a just Heaven will give it to them. And may he still defeat them and let us work out our own destiny, without their interference. I have not been sick but about one week since we started out. I have a few times felt a little rheumatism, but is merely a feeling.
Give my love and respect to all, tell Margaret Jane to Kiss the babies for me. I am as ever
Your Brother,
J.C. McIntyre