23rd Pennsylvania Infantry - Black Soldiers Killing Rebels

Item LTR-10663

Description

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


Head Quarters, 4th Brigade
1st Division, 6th Corps

June 27th 1864

Dear Fatty,

I received your kind and welcome letter of the 2nd and was glad to hear that you was improving so fast. I am in hopes you may continue in this manner. I am in excellent health. But am almost roasted. I never experienced as warm weather as has been here for the last two or three days.

Since I last wrote to you, we have changed our base from “White House” to “City Point.” Our Corps when we first came to Petersburg laid on the right center. But since then, has been shifted to the extreme left, where we now are resting. The enemy does not disturb us. Talk about the n*****s fighting. They kill everyone in the shape of a Rebel they meet. In front of Petersburg, the Rebels raised a black flag and then the n*****s charged and took their works. Killing all they found in it. I think they were right. What say you? The cry now is that the reason Petersburg was not taken was on account of the Second Corps being behind and stopping to give out rations. I (for my part) do not know who is to blame. But somehow or other they are always an hour or two too late. It is a pity this fault in our Corps commanders cannot be remedied.

Since my last writing, Jno. Meehan was slightly wounded on the skirmish line. Fatty, answer this soon and let me know if there is any likelihood of you getting home. If not, I will try and assist you some, as young Ed. Stanton told me he would do all he could for me.

I am glad to know that Snipes is doing so well. I will not be discharged until September. At which time I hope to meet you once more. If I do not see you then, I never may. I would like to have that ring. But suppose it would be rather risky to send it by mail. The boys are all glad to know that you are doing so well and they send their kind regards. Dinsmore was on picket. Therefore, I do not know if he received Gorman’s letter or not. Tell Gorman to go to Wolf General Hospital. I think it is and inquire for the hospital steward and let him know what he belongs to and all about Farrow, and he can get any assistance needed. Watson has not much to say about the hat. The boys all send their kind regards for your future recovery. Remember me to Snipes. Answer soon.

Your loving friend and mess mate,

Hugh Sterling

N. B. Direct as before.