155th Pennsylvania Infantry - Battle Content - NEW

Item LTR-12132

Description

Original Civil War letter. 4 pages written in period pencil.


Camp on Dick Burnetts’ Plantation
13 miles from Richmond, Virginia
 
June the 10^th 1864
 
Dear Friend Henry,
 
I take my pencil in hand to let you know how old Company F is getting along. Also, to let you know that I am well and in very good spirits, hoping that you are the same. Well, Henry, I suppose you know that our captain was killed. Also, that George and Frank Martin were wounded, and also Samuel Mays, John Mackin, John Miller, Jacob Lansberger, A. Lash, and Tom Fife and Samuel Hill was wounded, and poor Theodore Baldwin, he died at the hospital the next day after he was wounded. In all 11 out of company, I suppose Reed George got wounded, that you don't hear from us. As I have nothing to do at present, I thought I might as well write to you. We have been laying here since the sixth morning, and it looks like we will rest here for some time, as the major has his wall tent up, and our regimental wagons are up and parked here.
 
I am happy to tell you that we are the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division. General Ayres commands the division, and Colonel E.M. Gregory commands the brigade, regulars and volunteers. Also, that the 5th New York Regiment is in our brigade.
 
We were within eight or nine miles from Richmond at a place called Shady Grove on the turnpike, but we moved away to the left, or down towards the Chickahominy River. The 1st and 4th Division of Corps are about 4 miles from here at Bottom Bridge. We had a division review by Ayres yesterday. A brigade of the 1st Corps and a brigade of heavy artillery for the 3rd Brigade. I think they will run in a pinch. I think they will siege from our line to Richmond. The Rebs have some big guns in our front. Old Grant is not quite ready yet to commence a force with his seigers. So, the army is laying quiet at present from all I can see. Learned they are building the railroad as fast as they can. All the boys are well. James Dolan has not been heard from since the second of the month. He has not acted right on this campaign at all. Slinking behind most all the time.
 
On that day, the Rebs broke through Burnside's men and caused our right to give back. We stood a narrow escape of being made prisoners, as a good many of our brigade did. Our major took us up to front rifle pits. Lieutenant Bell went up to the top of the hill to see if there was anyone in our front. When he saw the Rebels coming out double quick, one of the aides came up and ordered the regiment to "right face, file right, double quick, follow me." This saved our regiment from being taken or cut up, as there was none joining on either side of us. I tell you, we got out of that quick with the Rebels firing on us, both shot and shells coming thick. So we formed on the pike, and all the rest came up to us. The rebs did not come past our breastworks, or if they did, they fell back again. Captain Klein had command of skirmish line next day, he ran the men out so far that every 10 minutes, he sent in for a new detail, as there was a great many getting wounded. He got slightly wounded in the cheek and hand, so he came in. Captain Kilgore went in his place, drew the pickets in a piece out of their sight, and no men were wounded that day.
 
Well, Henry, I will close about war with saying that it has been the hardest campaign ever the Potomac Army ever had. Our regiment will never get the praise for what we deserve to get, as we were always engaged when others were not. Our brigade or division always opened the fights at North Anna River. General Griffin ordered the First Corps men to give three cheers for the First Brigade, which never moved an inch, which was given heartily.
 
So, Henry, give my best respects to all my Lakeland friends. Accept the same for yourself. So, I must close. 
 
I remain, yours truly, 
 
James J. Carroll
 
P.S. Doc King had command of the company. They all send their respects to you.