44th New York Infantry - Twice Wounded

Item LTR-11176

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period pencil.



Camp near Spotsylvania C.H., Va.
May 16th, 1864
 
Dear Parents,
 
Having an opportunity to write so I thought that I would write a few lines to let you know that I am well and enjoying good health.
 
We came here night before last and I tell you we had a muddy march. We marched about 12 miles which took us all night. The mud is about a foot and a half deep. It is about the muddiest place here that I ever saw. We are encamped here now. But I don’t know how soon we may get out of it. 
 
The Rebels are a short distance from here. We can see them when on picket. They are working like beavers on their works. 
 
We have got a very large force here now. Burnside is here on our right with his Corps and they say that the 11^th  and 12^th Corps came up a couple of days ago and they have got all the troops that was around Washington and Baltimore here. Well I guess that Grant has got everything out except the Invalid Corps. 
 
The last that I heard from Lewis, he was well and alright. We haven’t received no mail service. We left Alexandria and we have been fighting eleven days now more or less right straight along. It came as natural as eating. Are loss is 167 killed, wounded and missing.  Our colonel and major was wounded. We have lost 12 officers, 3 killed. Our captain and lieutenant were wounded and the other killed.
 
The 4^th regiment has command of our company now and the regiment is commanded by Captain Nash. The boys all like him first rate. 
 
Well the Sun is coming out very hot. They are around after the mail, so I shall have to bring my letter to a close. Hoping these few lines will you find you all well. 
 
Write soon.
From your affectionate Son,
Isaac Bevier