126th Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-5655

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.

Brandy Station, Va.
Dec 3, 1863
Dear Mother:

I once more take pen in hand to inform you that I am still in the land of the living and enjoying good health. When I last wrote to you from here, I told you I thought we would march the next day or so. Well, we did march soon after that. We crossed the Rapidan River, advanced on through the Rebel Dixieland and found the enemy in force. We still pursued and he retreating until we chased them about 10 miles. They then fell in their fortifications and entrenchment. And then a fight was unavoidable. It commenced on Friday the 27th Nov. I was in the whole engagement what as I was present at and saw the whole fight but did not have a gun. I had nothing to do but take care of myself. The engagement lasted about 3 hours, mostly hard musket firing. Our 3rd division was all engaged. Also the 2nd division. We engaged the enemy until toward evening when the 6th Army Corps reinforced us. We drove the Rebels back and closed for the day. The losses out of our Regt. are 2 officers: the adj of our regiment and 2nd Lieutenant S. B. Petree of our Co. Neither of them has since been heard from & we suppose they are captured. We had no men killed but a few wounded. The next day after the battle, we advanced our crossing over Pike leading from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House. Soon found the enemy in strong force and on Sunday afternoon, our brigade was ordered to assault their works but the order was countermanded and we did not have to commence the bloody work. The next day was Monday. A heavy cannonading was kept up all day but not affecting the enemy much as to driving him out of his fortifications. Gen Meade, our commander of the Army of the Potomac, ordered the whole army to fall back across the Rapidan River. That night most of the army crossed. The next day we crossed and got in camp today, the same place we started from. I think the object of our raid was to draw a part of the forces of the Rebel Gen Bragg away from the west which we have succeeded in doing for our Genl. Grant has nearly demolished the Rebel Army of the West. I think we will go into winter qtrs for the winter. Well. I sent you by express to Canton $15. Did you get it or not? We have a nice place for to camp. We lay close to the railroad and get the daily papers and our regular mail. We have not got our mail since we got in today but will get it tomorrow. I will write to you soon again. The last letter I got of you told me you was going to Pike Township. Tell me all the news and write often. We are now about 50 miles from Washington City. Nothing more but remain you affectionate son.

N. B. Rynard
Co. G, 126 Ohio Vols.
3rd Brig, 3rd Div, 3rd A.C.
Via Washington DC

Send me a newspaper once in a while. Seal it and direct it well & it will reach me all safe.

N.B.R.