74th New York Infantry - Turner Ashby's Home

Item LTR-6310

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 8 pages written in period ink.

General Hospital, Alexandria Va.
May 25, [1862]

Dear Father

I thought I would let you know as soon as possible where I was for I do not know what may happen to my regiment before you get this. I was taken sick at Markham with a fever. I laid in Colonel Ashby’s house 4 or 5 days (Referring to the home of Confederate Cavalry General - Turner Ashby). Then I left for the Hospital at Rector Town, Regimental Headquarters. I soon picked up fast and should have joined my company in 2 or 3 days. Saturday morning the doctor told me he was going to send me to the General Hospital. I was quite surprised but soon found out the reason as the regiment was preparing to move and they did not want to be bothered with men that could not endure long marches. Soon Company D from Markham came in and said they had been drove in by the Rebels. They told me all about the fight at Front Royal. 2 guns of our battery were in the fight. I believe they were saved. General Geary had been informed that they were coming to five him a brush, and as he could not stand them with 5 companies, we was obliged to fall back and await reinforcements. The remainder of our regiment were on picket below. I believe he fell back as far as White Plains last night.

Our regiment has been rather sickly. There was 50 came down with me. The building I am in is a splendid Mansion that has been vacated by some Secesh. There is a splendid garden we have to walk in; fine airy rooms overlooking the Potomac. You can see the ships and small craft sailing up and down. It is a great change from the wilds and mountains of Virginia. I saw the hotel where Ellsworth was killed. I see 2 or 3 old engines on this road. I use to see on the Fall River the Job Terry and Dorchester. What I have seen of this city, I think it is very pleasant.

You need not direct here as I shall expect to be with the regiment again in a few days. If I do not, I will write again from here. I feel perfectly well, only a little weak. My birthday went by and I did not know it until the 22nd. This sheet of paper I bought off a Dutchman in my room. How do you like it? It is not my fancy. Love to all

Corporal Henry Hayward