23rd Pennsylvania Infantry - Battle of Seven Pines

Item LTR-10664

Description

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


Camp Near Seven Pines

June 4th 1862

Dear Friend and Mess Mate,

It was with sorrow that I heard (after the day’s fight) that you were wounded. I am very happy to say that I came off without the slightest injury. After retiring from the battlefield, I tried to find out where you was. But was told you had gone home. Andy Caldwell was killed on the spot. Firing pierced through the head. Poor Cooney is also dead. If we could have got to bring him off, he might have lived. But we did not get him until yesterday. We were driven into our entrenchments. But the next day, Hooker’s Division drove them like chaff before the wind. General McClellan says he never heard of such fighting in his life and does not know how we stood it. A prisoner says there was 30,000 of them engaged against our three regiments. A lieutenant of the Rebels says they will never stand as well again. Hoffman, Schriedner and all the boys send kind regards. Hoping you may all be able before long to join us again. Give my best respect to Webster, Gifford, Howe, Boyles and all the rest of the boys. I will give you all particulars in any next, as the mail is to go out soon. I tried to get our things, but couldn’t. As nobody was allowed on the field without a pass.

Write soon and let us know how you are all getting along.

Your affectionate friend and mess mate,

H. Sterling, Jr.

P.S. Lieutenant Armstrong is acting adjutant.