6th New York Heavy Artillery

Item LTR-6205

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages written in period ink.


Fort DeRussey
Washington, DC

August 31st 1864

Dear Brother,

Yours of the 28th came to hand on the 30th. It found me as usual in the best of health and spirits. There is very little news to write. The boys are generally well. Last Sunday we had preaching in our mess room by the Chaplain of the regiment. He made some very good remarks. Said we should be very thankful to providence in preserving us from taking an active part with our Corps in the late attack on the Weldon Rail Road. I suppose you saw in the papers that the 15th Heavy Artillery lost quite heavily in the fight. That regiment and ours formed a brigade. So you see we would have had a hand in it if we had not been in Washington. You are quite right in thinking it pleasanter doing duty here than in active service. And the boys like it first rate. I think it would be a hard job for the Johnnies to take these forts if properly manned for these forts are so built. If one is taken it can be fired into from the right, left and rear from the other. We drill twice a day on the bog guns and the boys are getting so that they handle them almost as easily as they can their muskets. Paul think he had a slight touch of the intermittent fever. But he is getting along first rate now. I have not had an opportunity of call upon Uncle Theodore as yet. But will do so as soon as I can.

Jim Cogswell is well enough now. There are no minnie balls whistling around his head. I have not seen Tom in over a week. Have heard nothing from T. Julian lately.

Jim Sloane is in one of the hospitals in Washington but expects soon to come to the regiment.

Take 22 dollars out of the 50. Seven for yourself. Fifteen for Father and please deposit the rest and you will oblige me very much.

I think of nothing more at present. So I will close. Please remember me to all the folks. Write soon and believe me to be as ever,

Yours truly,

S. B. Pierce