4th New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-305

Description

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

Before Petersburg
July 13th 1864

Dear Sister Hattie,

You may perhaps think somewhat strange that I address these few lines to you after having so recently written to Father and Mother. But I thought perhaps that a few lines from me, your unworthy brother, might be acceptable to you. As this is the only means of conversing with you and feeling quite sure that I shall receive one in return for I believe you are rather more prompt than the rest of the folks, to answer my letters. The main reason that I have not written to you before is that my privileges to do so have been few and far between during this active and very severe campaign. I seem to have this opportunity and it is my policy to improve the present opportunity. We still lay here before the rebel at Petersburg. We haven’t made any advance for over three weeks. All the demonstrations there is at present is picket firing, intermingled with artillery firing and even now, there has been and is now in progress, an artillery duel. We are at the front and have been the same as at the front ever since we last came here the night of the 23rd of June. The health of the troops is very good considering the fatigue and exposure and hardship that we have invariably encountered through the divine mercy and blessing of our dear Savior. I am still blessed with life and a good degree of health for which we would owe God the praise and glory. I have seen many of my comrades in arms in the defense of our glorious blood bought liberties wounded, bleeding, groaning, suffering and even dying. I could but exclaim, God bless these poor suffering souls. I say I have seen them but the Lord thus far for some reason has kept and preserved my unprofitable life and I am permitted the privilege to write to you this morning. We have held but few meetings owing to the unfavorable circumstance for doing so. One of our good and faithful brethren has been recently called. We trust to enjoy that place that God has prepared for those that love him and keep his commandments. Some have made a start for heaven even during this intense excitement for which we would give God the praise. I still feel decided to try and be a Christian and finally gain heaven. I hope and trust that I have your prayers and sympathy as a Christian Sister. I cannot speak particularly of news, there seems to be quite an enthusiasm prevailing here relative to the rebel raid in Maryland and Pennsylvania. All the fears that I have about it is that they won’t go farther north than they have. I think that an extending raid, as theirs seems to be, will just wake up the drowsy north and bring them to their senses and cause them to see explicitly their duty to their country. I hope and pray that this may be the result but I must think of closing.

I learned with sadness the misfortune of Henry and Mary in being thrown from the wagon and being so badly injured but I hope that it will not have as severe as at first expected. I have written them once and I believe two letters and have received no answer. Hardly know what the cause can be. My love to them and I will close by transmitting to you all my love and hoping to hear from you very soon.


From your unworthy brother,

C. E. Hurd

Direct your letter

Charles E. Hurd
Company D
4th New Hampshire Volunteers
10th Corps
Fortress Monroe, VA