15th New York Engineers

Item LTR-10130

Description

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


Headquarters, 15th New York Volunteer Engineers
February 10th 1863

My Dear Aunt Stella,

It is such a long time since I have heard from you. I have come to the conclusion tonight that I had better write you and inform you that I am still in existence; a poor soldier far from home and friends anxious to hear from both. I wrote you some time ago about the time that the last movement of this army took place that resulted so unfortunately for us. All being literally “stuck in the mud” as the rebels told us by printing it on a large sign and sticking it up on the other side of the river. Since that, we have had snow and some cold weather. Rain and a good deal of thawing weather. No time has the sacred soil been in a fit condition for another movement. Now we have had three days of beautiful spring weather. Such as we would call from maple sugar weather at home. The roads are drying up. Sickle’s Corps has moved up the river. Other troops are moving to Aquia Creek by rail road. No one know where they are going to. our regiment with the exception of one company, are all out at work on roads and bridges and fixing up our pontoon trains for another movement. Things look as though Hooker intended to do something before long. He is getting ready to take advantage of the first spell of decent traveling. We don’t know in what direction or at what time he will move. But we all feel that he is going to do something before long and are anxious by waiting to see what it might be.

The camps are full of rumors. But nothing definite. Every branch of the army is being thoroughly inspected. For he seems determined to know all about his command and has adopted McClellan’s old organization of the army. Having it divided into Corps de Armie, instead of grand divisions. I hope the war department will let him alone and give him full authority to carry out all his plans and we may hope for better results from this department.

The Army lost confidence in Burnside. He was so unfortunate and we all know “Fighting Joe Hooker.” I do hope we may make a mark somewhere that will take on the rebellion. Now our time is getting so near out, the feeling among the two gives men is very strong to strike one hard blow at the rebels before leaving. I think we might have a chance. If my affairs were not in the shape to require my attention at home, I think I would stay longer in the army and have an idea of returning after I get things settled at home. There are a great many things I don’t like about the management at Washington. But the Army is all right at heart and if we could get McClellan back, I would go through anything for him. Hooker is getting the confidence of men and is going to work right. If the weather was might only give him a chance, you may hear good news from the Army of the Potomac yet.

I suppose you know that I am again an uncle. I had a letter from Charley Ransom last night. He says Fran has had a hard time, but was then (January 31st) getting better and out of danger. The baby, splendid (of course). He says a perfect picture of Fran and she says it looks like me. I must go out and see that baby soon when I get out of the army. I hear nothing from Albert. Suppose him still in Carlyle and out.

Give my love to Aunt Hattie and all at home and let me have another of your very welcome letters soon as possible and oblige.

Your affectionate nephew,

Charles

Do you know where my commission as lieutenant is? Father had it for safe keeping and I don’t know who took it.