1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery - Ricketts' Battery

Item LTR-6762

Description

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


Headquarters Artillery
Hancock, MD

February 15th 1862

Dear Father,

I received your letter of January 23rd a few days ago. You complain of my letters being so long on the road and I have the same fault to find with yours. I cannot imagine why it is so. Our letters should go through in two days at least. Some of the letters, I suspect, are lost or mislaid. As I have not received near as many as you say you have written. And I know from your letters that you have not received all of mine. I am still at Hancock, Maryland. And situated exactly as I was when I last wrote to you. Agib paid me a flying visit the other day. Coming in the morning and leaving in the evening. A very short but a very welcome visit.

On Wednesday last, General Williams at our request, gave Captain Matthews and I an escort of 28 cavalry and sent us over the river reconnoitering. For the purpose of ascertaining where the enemy were. We crossed the river at daylight and rode 21 miles due south towards Winchester and within 20 miles of that place, which is one of their strongholds. We left Martinsburg in our rear and to the left of us. And there were camps of the enemy within 5 and 6 miles both to the right and left of us. And we were on roads that the enemy’s troops were passing over every day. And were much farther south than any of our troops have been since the commencement of hostilities. But strangely enough, did not meet a single rebel. Although when we crossed, we expected to find them within a short distance of the Potomac. We recrossed the river after dark, having rode 42 miles within the enemy’s lines and made a most successful reconnoiter without losing a man. Has Dale returned? If he has, tell him I wish he would write to me and tell him also that when he concludes to sell his horse, to give me the first chance. I will give him the original price or more. Give my love to Mother and Frank and all my Orangeville friends.

Your son,

R. B. Ricketts

E. G. Ricketts, Esquire

P.S. I have been trying for some time to get a leave of absence but have not succeed yet. They say they can’t spare me at present. I may make my appearance, however, in Old Orangeville any day.

Bruce