15th New York Engineers

Item LTR-10040

Description

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


U.S. Transport Columbia
York River

May 11th 1862

Dear Aunt Stella,

Having a little time to myself this morning, I thought I would drop you a line and let you know that I am alright so far. I have been very busy for the last four days moving camp, etc.. And we are now on the Steamer Columbia at anchor about 10 miles above Yorktown waiting for the rest of our Brigade and orders when to land. Over 300 of our regiment are with General Franklin’s Division at West Point. The balance are on this boat. We will probably land some where above West Point.

We have had exciting times for the last three weeks and are now going where we will see more of what the boys call fun. I don’t exactly see it in that light. Especially when I see the boat loads of wounded and dead that are brought down to Yorktown. I was in Yorktown last Sunday morning, soon after the evacuation. Had a good chance to see all that was left behind and also see and come very near feeling the effects of those infernal machines. That telegraph operator Lathrop was killed close by me. I was talking with him a moment before and had been walking all around the spot. I left Yorktown shortly after I saw the operation of that shell. I spent Sunday evening with Frank, who had been that day taking account of guns left behind for General McClellan’s dispatch. I suppose he has written all the particulars. General has now moved his headquarters and I suppose Frank is with him. He did not go as soon as the General but stayed behind with Colonel Kingsbury to form the siege trains. They are all gone now. We move them same day, last Friday.

Yesterday, I got everything shipped and we laid out in the stream last night. These moves make work for me. As I have to get the transportation and see to all the property and keep the men in provisions at the same time. In camp, I issue for 3 or 5 days at a time. But now I have to provide for them like so many children.

Last night, General McClellan stayed at Kent Court House. We expect to be in Richmond this week. We have our tool train and pontoon trains with us ready to throw up our works around Richmond, if required. Our Brigade did an immense deal of work before Yorktown. Colonel Murphy, with this gallant three hundred, had charge of the landing of the whole of General Franklin’s Division. You will see a picture of his fleet in Harper’s Weekly in a short time.

Now Aunt, I have only time to say that I am well. Our men in the best of spirits and on the high road to Richmond. I am well satisfied with my position. Have to work hard at times but have no Captain Garrett to order me around and am as independent as anyone can be in the Army.

I have heard nothing from home in a long time. My last letter was from Fanny and I have not seen one Owego paper since I was home. I expect a letter from Charley every day. I shall write him soon. I wish he would have Beebe send me his paper to 15th New York Engineer Brigade, General McClellan’s Corps, U.S. Army.

Give my love to all at home and write soon too.

Yours in great haste,

C. P. Bacon