8th Connecticut Infantry

Item LTR-10138

Description

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


Camp 8th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers
Bermuda Hundred, Virginia

August 7th 1864

Dear Friends,

I thought that you would receive more than one letter from me while I remained in the service, in compliance with an expressed wish in your letter written the last of June or first of July. The reality has not proved so. But you know enough of the summer work that is soldiers. We have done so that I need not make excuses. At times, it seems more than enough to write to one’s own kindred or family friends without ever being obliged to send a tell-tale letter to others of weariness and ill feeling, etc. I have refrained sometimes because I was so involved in the “present” influences as to feel not myself.

At present, the 18th Corps is enjoying a quiet, perhaps rest. The mind and nervous system does rest and although we have drills and fatigue duty to do that occupies the principal part of the time, the body can’t help but recuperate some. Life in the trenches is a low life. Enervating to most ever poser of the man. The night season being the only time when the person could straighten up full length safely. This even in darkness is a privilege. But daylight seems to be an organized time when the man should lift his noble stance erect.

But the trench experience does not leave a bad impression. The filling up of the picture preponderates in that which we look back on with pleasure. The unpleasant is forgotten.

The correspondents of the papers have tried to tell of the relief and joy we feel in our change of position. They can hardly paint it with pens.

I learned of the 6th banner before we came over here that Abner Mitchell was badly wounded in the side or abdomen and in a day or two saw his name among the deaths at Hampton. I had a good visit with Abner the Sunday after Fitse was killed and he came on Monday to see me. Abner mourned over the loss of Fitse a good deal. Said “he couldn’t help but think in his visit with Fitse when they met last. That he was ripe for the harvest and that when men were in that state, they were gathered soon.” Without doubt the same think might be said of Abner that he thought of Fitse. But for men have a cause marked out for them more plainly than Abner though his was and he lived in perfect rest in the matter.

East Street has this summer been called on to add to former gifts of her best blood. I am glad our gifts are from our own homes rather than some outside, bought material. Spiritless and who would be thought but little more about than an animal.

This front is much stronger than when we were here in the spring. There is no reason to fear that the rebels will attack this front with on good hope of success. I fear that this would be a very unpleasant place for winter. Hope our army will not be called to winter on this point. Was down to the Corps’ Hospital two days ago and saw Lucius. Think he will stay there as a nurse til his time expires. He is a first-class nurse.

Sergeant Plumb has made his appearance among us again. Enjoyed his visit north very much. Said he intends it without fail to visit you. But could not make it come right at last. This means being somewhat controlled by his brothers. He has not been mustered yet and wish he might receive a 1st Lieutenant commission.

Have nothing to say of myself. Hope to go to Jourdan and talk rather than write what I want to say.

General Gibbon is in command of the Corps at this time. Ord in acting commander of the Virginia and North Carolina Departments while Butler is north. This division was serviced formerly by General Gibbon. The recruits the regiment have received are a way good class of men. As for Baily, much a head of those sent us a year ago. Have had nearly 100 in all. They make our ranks strong. But we can’t help but feel that they are not of us.

The weather is decidedly fall. Not very cool yet. But quite a change form that previous to the early weather.

By the favor of God, I hope to meet you all soon.

From your friend and neighbor boys,

Jay Nettleton