16th North Carolina Infantry - Captured at Wilderness

Item CON-8301

Description

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


Camp Near Occoquan
December 19, 1861

Dear Mother,

I received your very kind and interesting letter last evening, which found me in fine spirits. It also gave me pleasure to read such an interesting letter from you. You can’t imagine how very consoling it is to me to write and receive letters from you while I am in the campaign without any relation in all this regiment. But there is one consolation. I have some very confiding friends. I have nothing to fear. To write that will prove interesting or important to you.

It would be a consolation to me if I could write you the history of the whole campaign and every connected therewith. If I could, thus, do it might not only prove interesting to you, but amusing. For there is novelty connected with it. Doubtless you have heard of our removal from the junction some twenty miles below Washington City. Camped in the southeastern corner (fork) of the Occoquan Bay and Potomac River. We are encamped in a very nice place and I think all the regiment is well satisfied with the encampment and would like to stay through the winter. Provided we are not set to winter quarters. The water is good and convenient. Wood is not quite so handy. But that don’t matter. We can get it with but little trouble. We have plenty to eat now, such as it is. We understand that our coffee rations is going to be stopped. As it is already stopped. For I made the last I had this morning for breakfast. I am exempt from all duties from the fact that I have been detailed cook for twelve men, including myself. Very good arrangement for the men, I think. A better one could not have been made.

Our men were called out to meet the enemy the other day. But the alarm proved false. A party of our men crossed the bay to surprise the enemy yesterday and they came up with them in ambush and they fired 20 rounds on them. But with little effect. One of the cavalry men was slightly wounded on the chin. We have been heretofore expecting an attack. But the present opinion and likely is that there will be none. It was thought by some that they were fighting in Centreville yesterday from the rumbling of the cannons. We are near Evansport. But I cannot learn whether I have any friends there or not.

My supper is near covered and I must close. Write soon and give me the news generally.

Yours,

H. A. Loflin

P.S. Tell Emeline I saw her sister, June, a few days since.