8th New York Heavy Artillery & 7th Cavalry - Wounded at Cold Harbor

Item LTR-170

Description

4 page ALS Written by Arthur L. Chase who served in the 7th New York Cavalry and the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. He was wounded at Cold Harbor, VA:

Camp Stoneman
Washington, DC
March 16th 1862

Dear Brother George,

Your letter of the 27th of February came to hand in due time, and should have been answered before. But being uncertain as to our future whereabouts, I thought that I would wait until something was done with us so as to inform you. We were ordered to Fort Lyon last Tuesday and had everything packed and ready to march. But the order was countermanded before we got underway. We had a chance yesterday to go with the grand expedition up the James River which is now fitting our here. But we were to go as riflemen which the men objected to. There was a vote taken to see whether we should go or stay here. Which resulted in about ten to stay here, to one to go. I should like to go with the expedition first rate but cannot unless the Regiment goes. The chance is still open to us to go as riflemen, but the men think that they have been foot cavalry too long to shoulder rifles. I have not seen Lieutenant Falwell but once since he came here. I shall try and see him again in a few days if he does not go with the expedition. Lieutenant George Hart was here today. His battery is going with the expedition up the James River. But perhaps you have not heard of the expedition that I speak of. There are sixty-eight vessels of various kinds calculated to carry eighty thousand men. Fitted out in the Potomac to go up the James River and land the troops and attack Richmond both by land and water; while our troops follow on from Manassas and attack them on the other side. I hope it will prove successful. I have not been down to the city since last Monday when I went down to bid my Uncle’s folks goodbye, expecting to go to Fort Lyon the next day. You say that you are expecting one of my pictures for yourself? I guess by that that you have not received my last letter to you for I sent one to you. I will send you another in a few days. I have a order down town but cannot get them until we are paid off. I shall write to Kitty as soon as I can get one of them to send to her. Give my love to all the folks and write again soon.

Your affectionate Brother,

Arthur L. Chase

P.S.

I have a photograph which is not very good which I will send you now. I will send you a better one soon.