32nd & 33rd Pennsylvania Infantry - Killed at Cloyd's Mountain, VA

Item LTR-6644

Description

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


David’s Island August 2nd 1862

My Dear Sister,

Yesterday I received yours of the 29th and this morning, that of the 31st and the newspaper. We have the N.Y. paper daily. Yesterday morning when the Doctor was dressing my leg, he pushed out a piece of dark blue cloth, part of my coat. This has been the cause of the wound not healing. He thinks it will now commence.

I was agreeably surprised this morning at seeing Ellen walk up to the tent. She left Philadelphia yesterday at 2 P.M. I regret that she did not see you before leaving. I suppose she will not be satisfied unless I return with her. So you need not be surprised to learn of my arrival in P. in a day or two.

I acknowledge the receipt of the leave, but to Mr. Gripin and to you, I will probably be fit for duty by the 24th of August; unless my leg heals rapidly. Colonel Small was wounded at the battle of Williamsburg and is yet in P. His leg not yet well, though he can ride on horseback at a funeral, I am informed, and speak at war meetings.

I would have been pleased to see Captain Beatly. He was the last of the officers I saw on the night of the 30th, or morning of July 1st. I would have accompanied them had I been able to walk. But after going out to the regiment, I soon ascertained my walking was done for at that time. So I went back, determined to take my chance with the rest of the wounded at Brackett’s House.

The weather is warm, but we do not feel it much in the tents. By having the ends and sides raised, we get the benefit of any air and there is generally some stirring.

Ellen has received my valise, which was brought by Captain Clark of the 3rd. He did not call and I have no news from the Corps. He and Colonel Thompson intend sending in their resignations.

I feel very much obliged to our friends for their kind offers, but of course it would be best for me to go home. Ellen said it is much pleasanter at our house than in the more thickly built portions of the City and that she has not been troubled with flies or mosquito. Should my leg commence healing, I should not need much attention.

I have received Charley’s letter and tell him I was much pleased to hear from him. You can read this to him and say to him that there is so little to write about, that I condense in one letter all I have to tell.

Ellen was very fortunate in meeting a Mr. William B. Bolles of Astonia, L. I. who was coming on from Philadelphia to New York, and who kindly took her in charge and brought her to the tent. He is acquainted with Samuel Gilpiete.

With love to yourself and kind regards to all enquiring friends. I remain, truly your brother
R. H. Woolwort