28th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-6698

Description

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


Picket Post Island
February 14, 1862

Robert Nebinger

Dear Sir,

Yours of the 10th instant came to hand last night. I feel truly thankful for the encouragement you give me. What I am was made by my own energy as you are aware that I had no one to train me in the ways of the world. Rest assured that my aim is always press forward, always keeping my position in good society and to my education (which is limited), I mostly have gathered by my own industry. The evil temptations that are always in the path of young men, I always strive to shun as there has been enough of immorality in my own race.

I will give you a brief account of our company and regiment. The company that I am a member of was gotten up in Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and armed and uniformed by Mr. Pardee—a coal operator of that place. His son was chosen captain. We left home ready for the field of battle. We are now Company A of Colonel Geary’s Rifle Regiment. This regiment is sixteen hundred strong with a Battery of 6 long-range Parrot guns. Each company numbers 101 men. I believe we have one of the best colonels in the volunteer service.

We have been in one hard battle which was fought at Bolivar one mile above Harpers Ferry. There was four hundred of our regiment against twenty-five hundred rebels. They had seven pieces of artillery playing against us while we had but two. We held our position for three hours when we were reinforced by one more gun which was brought across the river. The first shot our men made broke an axle of one of their (the rebels) 32-pound Columbiads, which we soon had in our possession. Then the grand charge was made and the way the rebels run. After dark we returned bringing with us sixty thousand bushels of wheat.

I have been on picket duty with a squad of men over two months. There is hardly a day passes but we have sight of some of the secesh scouting parties. Sometimes we have a chat with them from the island and if they get saucy on our hands, we salute them with a few minié balls which causes them to leave on the double quick time.

At this time the war news are very good. Our fleet is doing good work among the traitors. My opinion is that the Night of Secession is about passed. The Old Stars and Stripes will soon be unfurled to the breeze all over this land. We are under marching orders. I am ready to be at work—in the best of spirits. The life of a soldier agrees with me very well so far. In fact, none of our regiment has suffered much. I think we have lost 4 men. If I am spared through this war, I intend to visit York County. When I was there last, everything had changed so much that I made my stay short.

Many are the times I think of you and put off writing from time to time until it was never done. My Father lives in the West yet [Bellfountain, Iowa]. I received a letter from him last week. His health has been very poor for some time. Will you inform me if James P. Eppey is living in your vicinity. I went to school to him two winters. And anything you would offer for my future welfare will be gladly received. You know that I am as one alone in the world with none to seek for advice. I will conclude hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain yours,

Corporal Robert A. Kerrihard
Company A
28 Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers
Point of Rocks, Maryland


P. S. The 28th does not belong to either Division or Brigade. We are an Independent Rifle Regiment.