32nd & 33rd Pennsylvania Infantry - Wounded twice, POW & KIA at Cloyd's MT, VA

Item LTR-276

Description

2 page original Civil War soldier's letter, written in period ink and war dated.

Camp 4th Regiment PRVC
Upton’s Hill, VA
March 22nd 1863

My Dear Sister,

I duly received yours of the 13th. I am very sorry to learn of the deaths you mentioned. I saw Lizzie Abbotts. There will be great changes when I return home – if ever. Here we mostly enjoy good health. But 16 sick, the most of them very trifling cases. One man named Smedley went home a few days ago on sick leave, he has been ailing since the 30th of June last. Nothing particular seems the matter, but he was very low spirited and appears home sick. When his furlough came he said he didn’t want it, and refused to go. The surgeon however sent him away in charge of a man who was going to Philadelphia.

The weather has been much the same here as with you. Snow, hail, rain and sunshine alternately make the walking very disagreeable. We have been hoping for a change for the better but have been disappointed. Should the weather be pleasant next Saturday I propose going to Washington. I would like to see Charley Rumford. Can you tell me where he is? I think you wrote me that the battery was on Meridian Hill.

I have been sitting on a General Court Martial for the six weeks and find it very dull amusement. Most of the cases are of men absent without leave. I have no particular interest. On Monday week we expect to commence the trial of a man from the PR Brigade on the charge of murder. The act of Congress penned March 3rd 1863 gives General Courts Martial the power to try such cases. It is a very unpleasant duty but like many others, has to be done. I hope the fellow may be innocent.

We have very little reliable news here. I think some improvement is shown in the troops. Their behavior is excellent and I think they would show good fight. I hope they may not be called on soon. It is very distasteful to me. My curiosity is entirely satisfied. I had a letter from Uncle Charles date the 19th. It was on business. With kind regards to all inquiring friends and much love to you.

I remain truly your brother,

R. H. Woolworth

Miss A. A. Woolworth
Philadelphia, PA