2nd Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-6766

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 9 pages written in period ink.


Columbian Hospital
Washington, DC

October 21st 1863

Gen Quint

Dear Sir,

I thought it might be of interest to hear from me of the 2nd, who though absent from its camp is none the likes interested for its success.

About 100 of us who had been pronounced unserviceable, some being very sick were loaded on to the cars at Brandy Station about 9 o’clock on the morning of the 26th inst. in charge of the Bennett to be transported to Alexandria. Our patience was severely tried by waiting until near sundown before starting. In the meantime, one of our numbers had died and been buried by the roadside. He belongs to the 111th New York at Bealeton. Saw the Corps, which had marched in the early morning as doubtless you are aware. Quite a stop was made to unload baggage, etc. and often numerous other delays. We arrived in this city about 3 o’clock on Sunday morning the 21st. took ambulances reached the hospital about daylight. It was a very chilly night and once the cars being built open for the transportation of cattle rendered the passage rather uncomfortable. At Alexandria, the tedious delay of 2 ½ hours was made endurable by the appearance of good Samaritans in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Froule of whom I believe you have heard. They visited each car (there were by furnishing us with refreshments which I need not assure you were gratefully received.) I thought that piece of bread and pickle the sweetest morsel that I ever ate. God bless the noble spirits whose services though not rendered on the field of battle, merit and will increase their just reward. One of our number has since died. A boy who had joined the 66th Ohio while the regiment was in New York. He was in the same car with myself. The disease (typhoid fever) had then reached that stage which caused the mind to wander. He however rallied for a day or two after reaching the hospital, then gradually shrinking, died in the afternoon of October 21st. Lieutenant Bennett was very attentive to us on the passage. Doing what he could for our comfort. This hospital in which these are now about 300 patients appears to be well conducted.

My health remains about the same. I was gratified to now that the minds of some officers of the regiment were disobeyed in regard to my case that the state of my health was not caused by “a kind of monolithic or homesickness” had my discharge been granted last spring. My sentiments would not have allowed me to remain at home as long as the war was in progress and I now feel an intense desire to do something for the cause. I have been thinking that I might render some service in the colored department. Could I obtain a situation that did not require the exercise of great physical power? I have competence to believe that my intercourse and consequent experience with the colored people not only during the war but in years past in the cotton plantations of Alabama, render me in some degree adapted to the work of enlisting colored troops into the service. I suppose one who labors to replenish our way does good service for the county and I feel desirous of doing something to that and can I procure from the regiment the necessary recommendation which will enable me to procure such a position? I would not ask anyone to their conscience by endorsing me. A cause now prompted to make the request only by a desire to be doing something to aid in the great work of restoring the Union and procuring the undesirable blessings of a peace that shall be sanctioned by the God of Justice. As this strife is doing work to develop the principle of the “Unity of Races”, then anything that has ever transpired. I believe that when we do obtain peace, it will be based on that principle without regard to complexional difference. God speed the day when this is accomplished.

In reviewing my course while in the regiment, I must say that the conversion of one single act has caused me more regret than all others. That was done in your presence. And I hope that you Sir, will forgive me for the bad example. As I have played God to do. You will remember while we were riding in the cars from Aquia Creek to Falmouth in the company of several officers, had the bottle was passed to us by one of the party. You refused to drink. I took a little as I then thought to stimulate me for the march which we expected was to follow. Not thinking what an effect my refusal might have on others. How often our impulses lead us in the wrong direction. Had I reflected on the example, at the risk of being called impertinent, I should have said, “Thank you gentleman.” General McClelland says that abstinence from intoxicating drinks is the a____ would add to its strength to the amount of 50,000 men and I cannot encourage a practice which prolongs this war for a moment. Would that have been improper? As a temperance man, I have tried to exert what little influence I possessed in the army to present intemperance but I must say that ltiat has been the greatest obstacle be the faithful discharge of my duties. With which I have had to contend. There is not doubt that the benefit to the army would be almost incalculable would the officers but the example of abstinence. Can some of our officers with clear consciences go home and look in the faces of the wives, brothers and sisters of soldiers who have been seduced by their example? I am convinced that total abstinence is the only safe course. Therefore, have joined a Division of the Sons of Temperance which has been formed in connection with Columbian Hospital. And which promises under good order. A week ago last Thursday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Froule gave their closing musical entertainment. How the benefit of the soldiers of Columbian Hospital. The occasion was taken to present them an expression of our regards, which was done in a few appropriate resolutions. A copy of which is enclosed. Mr. Froule respected us with as well chosen remarks. An illusion to Dr. Crosby called up that gentleman who made an exceedingly happy speech in acknowledgement of their services. Last Tuesday evening they gave a parting entertainment at the Soldiers Free Library to which all the Columbians were invited that were able to attend. It proved off pleasantly. The only regret being expressed that this was the last time we were to hear their sweet voices.

There is barely an hour passes that I do not think of the brave 2nd Massachusetts. There are many noble spirits left. Although many have laid down their lives for the cause. The brave and heroic Shaw. How deeply has any being been impressed by his death. No officer of the 2nd that I remember approached me with that familiarity with which he was accustomed. He was my Captain and I was on detached service. Which perhaps accounted for it in a measure. A letter with which he favored me while I was at home. Written just after he took command of the 54th. I shall cherish and hand down to my children as a memento of one of the hero martyrs of this rebellion.

Prayer meetings are held in connection with this institute 4 time during the week. Which are attended with increasing interest. Dear Sir. I desire an interest in your prayers, that may ever live as he comes a faithful follower of our Blessed Master and eventually meet you where no sound of war is heard. But where all the reclaimed will unite in praising God Forever. What a blessed thought that a happy eternity is in store for all those who love Him and strive to seek his ways.

It has just been announced that General Rosecrans is relieved of his command and that there are charges to be prepared against him. This is very unfortunate. When the eyes of the whole country were looking to him to finish Bragg and close the rebellion. But in his succession we have a man competent for the work. Nine cheers for Grant and his noble army. God speed them on to victory.

But I fear that I am making my letter tedious. Please give my regards to my Captain Thayer. Also to Dr. Heath and accept my best wishes for yourself and the regiment and believe me,

Faithfully and truly yours,

Lebbeus Stockbridge

P.S. If you please, I would prefer that you would keep my request a little quiet.

L.S.