5th Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-6194

Description

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

New Berne, North Carolina

Friday evening
April 10th 1863

My Very Dear Wife,

Having written you so lately as yesterday you will not expect a long letter tonight.

I wrote you that the 5th and almost all the troops here had gone to Washington NC overland. They came back today. Through the cowardice of General Spinola, who commanded the expedition, it was a contemptible frizzle. They marched to within some fifteen miles of W. when they came upon a body of rebs, numbering some 4,000, with two pieces of cannon. Their guns alighted upon them and we silenced one of their guns, when the strange order came to turn back. The men were mad. The officers were mad. But orders must be obeyed and back they came without having done anything. It is humiliating.

It was a very hard march and as nothing was done. I am glad I did not go. The men look as much used up as we did when we got back from Goldsboro.

In the mean time, general Foster, as nearly as I can learn, is in rather close quarters at W. but he is well supported by artillery and we hope will not be obliged to surrender.

I do not feel any fear from New Berne. It would be rather hard on the 44th if they should be obliged to surrender to the rebs. Eight companies of it are at W. the other two on picket. I have not seen the 5th boys yet since they came in. the Major is unwell. Troubled with diarrhea, etc.. he is a little blue too. But I suppose you mustn’t let his folks know. It is as he said when he first came out here. That if he should be sick and anyone should write home about it, he should want to shoot him. I wrote you that Sergeant Hazel was going home. He went in the “Dudley Buck.”

Meacham’s body went in the same boat. I wish it were so that you could attend his funeral.

I continue in the office yet. Do not have as much to do as before he died. I wrote you that I had something of a headache. I told the doctor about it and he gave me some drops to take which have stopped it. I think it was the weather. I am feeling very well this evening.

I find a great many are troubled in the same way. This is the first time I have been to the surgeon (except once on the march) since I have been here. But few can say as much.

Mr. Hastings, I think is a little better today as you will see by what I have written Sarah.

I heard today that Dr. Stone was unwell. I hope he is not going to be sick.

I hope we shall soon have a mail in which will bring me a letter from you saying that you are well.

Well, I must stop as I shall get a long letter after all


Still remember me when you bow before our Heavenly Father.


Affectionately Yours,

Charles

P.S. Tell Eddie that our kitty is growing finely. Tell him PaPa wants always to hear that he is a good boy. I want to give him a good hug. (Shouldn’t object to giving to hugs).

C.

Kiss