23rd Pennsylvania Infantry - Flag of Truce to recover the dead at Cold Harbor

Item LTR-10662

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period pencil.


Camp 1 ½ miles from James River

June 15, 1864

Dear Fatty,

Your kind and welcome letter of the 10th reached me the night the army started from Coal Harbor for the “James River.” There has been nothing transpired worthy of note since you have been sent away. I am in good health and so are all the boys of the Company who are alive. A night or two after you left, there was a flag of truce for two hours. In which time, all our missing were found to be dead or nearly all. Among those that they are certain of are: Smitty, Van Fleet, Bryon, Harp and one they think was Charlie McKim. Johnny Howe and Zaun, we know nothing of. The last that was seen of Howe, he came out when the regiment did but started back for a haversack and that was the time a heavy volley was fired down the road. So, it is supposed he is dead. We commenced to take a line for a new base last Sabbath and of course, I having charge of Headquarters Guards, had to march with the “light wagon.” We started with it by ourselves and was going for five miles when we came across any wagon train and then came on the 18th Corps. So, we travelled all night and halted for one hour 3 ½ miles from “White House;” then we started for the Chickahominy, which we reached about noon. And could not cross for want of pontoons. So, we laid up till this morning when we rejoined the troops. Our trains are now crossing the James River. I do not know when the troops will cross. There are an awful sight of transports at the landing. I think Grant is going to try an advance on Richmond by way of Petersburg. I hope he will make out better than he did at Coal Harbor. I almost forgot to tell you that the bodies of Williamson and Johnson, Boyd and Marchant have been sent home. Boyd and Marchant were found the evening of the flag of truce hardly recognizable.

I suppose you have heard of this, of Beardmore dying of his wounds. If not, it is true, I believe. I would like if you can find out and let me know where the balance of the boys are. I have one letter of yours which I will open so as to enclose with this one. I will get all your letters if I can. Bishop says he will write to you soon. I want you to send me that ring I asked you for. I intended to have asked for it when you was in the hospital. But could not, as I knew you was suffering from pains in your shoulder. And it was enough for me to stand that without asking for the ring. Please send me it. It is reported that Glenn will take command of the Brigade next Sabbath. As the Long Island is going home. The Chasseurs are on Corps Headquarters Guard and Glenn is Senior Colonel. I was sorry to hear that your leg had began to pain you. But I hope you will be able to get up and answer this letter the next time. Our Regiment lost 186 men, killed, wounded and missing. As I have nothing more, I will close. Hoping for your speedy recovery. Answer soon.

Yours as ever,

H. Sterling

Direct as before.