3rd Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-10136

Description

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


Camp “Jourdan”
Newbern

May 29, 1863

Dear Parents,

As the mail will probably go tomorrow, I thought I would pen a few lines. The mail arrived this morning and I was disappointed in not getting a letter for it is the 3rd mail that arrived and no letter for Charles. Now when I left home, you wished me to write every chance I had and have tried to do so and expect you would do the same. But the time is so short that it doesn’t make much difference. I don’t expect to get more than two or three more letters from you and by the way, I would write the last one the 7th of June for it will be the 15th or 20th by the time I receive it and by all probability, we shall break camp about the 16th and that will give us 10 days to get to Boston and be mustered out in.

But I will write you every mail if I have chance. We are all sick with the diarrhea – Doctor Howes, Doctor Stocker, George Allen, and myself. I have lost five pounds but think I am better now. One spell I had to run 6 or 7 times a day, but I have not been once today so I think Doctor Howes has got me on the mending hand. None of us has been off duty. However, Doctor Howes had the same complaint when he was in the 18th Massachusetts and had to resign and come home. I don’t believe he will get clear of it until he arrives home.

This morning we had over 60 cases to the call and over half of them complained of diarrhea. Doctor says it is very prevalent this time of year in such hot climate and a man has to be very careful what he eats. But all that is sick will get well as soon as they arrive home when they can get the salt water breeze.

Day before yesterday, General Foster was up and made a short speech to the regiment saying that out time is most out and when the nine months men go home, it is going to leave him shorthanded and the Rebs may come and attack him. If they do, he shall fight them. He also said that he was going to raise an Artillery Regiment to garrison the forts in this department to be composed of Massachusetts men. Five of the companies are already raised up North and he would like to get the other seven from the nine-month men and would like to have one company from this regiment. The inducements are $25 from U.S. and $50 from Governor Andrew and $75 when the war is over.

Our sergeant major has received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant. But I have not heard of any privates enlisting yet. But should not be surprised. Then some of the regiment enlisted after they have been home a little while. What do you think of my enlisting as Hospital Steward for three years or the war? Just let me know in your last edition.

I think that those who have enlisted in the Heavy Artillery there to home thinking they are to garrison Fort Phoenix all the time will find themselves “putting on their armour” and coming out here to form part of the Heavy Artillery Regiment. I think the officers played a good thing on the men by telling them that they should not go out of the state for if they are mustered into the United States service, they can order them to any place they see fit.

I understand that Abe has called for 300,000 more men. That is to fill the places of the nine-month men and if that is so, I think they will have to draft. And just tell some of my cousins to look out or they may have him for the war if they come to drafting. As we have served for nine months, I don’t think that Government will do anything with us for two years although they may have our names in the draft and stand our chance with the rest of being drafted.

Charles Tobey is well and sends his regards to all hands. Remember me to Aunt Sue, the family, and all inquiring friends.

From your only son,

Charles F. Brayton

P.S. If you know the number of letters, I have written to you, I wish you would send me the number for I should like to know.