1st Massachusetts Light Artillery

Item LTR-7249

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages written in period ink.

Camp of Battery A, Massachusetts Artillery
Williamsport, Maryland
October 22, 1862

Dear Captain,

Your kind favor of the 15th reached me only yesterday evening. I was right glad to hear from you and learn from yourself that you thought of your old comrades – how they were a set and how getting along.

By the above you will see where were we are. Have been here on picket since last Thursday. The Rebels are to be seen on the opposite banks in squads of cavalry [and] infantry and have two brass pieces under cover of the woods. Sometimes they show themselves in large and then again small numbers. I think they have the advantage of us for with one or two 20 pound parrot guns they could shell us to thunder while our shots at longest ramp would fall short. All is and has been quiet here since we arrived. Though we have been sharp on the lookout for an attack most any moment. Competent authorities seem to say a ball of huge dimension will come off near this immediate vicinity.

Green has taken his post as lieutenant, commenced last Monday. The boys like him (your selection) first rate I assure you. Mc and Green get along very well. Tent together and no trouble so far. Lieutenant Federhan is about a mile off on the right with the left section. Mc takes every occasion to irritate Federhan, while Federhan takes no notice of him. Mc is guarded in his remarks concerning you and I hear him say but little if anything about you. He read a letter from his wife day before yesterday which made him cross as a bear.

Since you went away, Private Sage died in the Seminary Hospital at Alexandria Oct 4. Private Knowles & Lynde have been discharged on certificates of disability.

You wrote from Washington to Mc about the pay roll. He didn’t understand it, so I fixed them all right & sent them by Mc’s order. I deducted from Lynch: clothing acct: one uniform jacket, 6.50; 1 pr. Pants, 4.00; 1 pr. Boots, 3.33; 1 cap .63; 3 shirts, 2.64, 2 prs. Socks .54; & woolen blanket 2.25; cost $19.89. From Martin V. B. Cushing: 1 uniform jacket, 6.50; 1 shirt, .88; 2 pr. Socks .54; 2 prs. Pants, 8.00; cost $15.92. He said that you would have to return these articles in your returns as expended or lost etc. They (Cushing & Lynch) actually lost their clothing in the battle of Charles City Roads June 30 and were all the deductions made on account of clothing lost.

Enclosed you will find a record of company funds. I think very probable that quite a number of charges remain to be made, of which you undoubtedly forgot to put in mind. When you enter them, let me know and I will finish the book. I must close. Hoping this will find you enjoying yourself.

I remain your obedient servant,
John W. Bell