2nd & 20th Maine Infantry and 1st Battalion Maine Sharpshooters

Item LTR-7289

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.


Camp on the Weldon Rail Road, VA
August 30th 1864

My Kind Friend Clark,

Your kind and welcome letter of the 21st inst. arrived this morning and let me tell you that it was read with great interest by me. I was happy indeed to learn you were all well. That is as you say, what are still living. What a change from years hence, made in your little town. But this is treachery for me to dwell upon. For to have lost friends and relations of late you can see that I can tell pretty near your feelings for those loved ones we shall see no more upon this earth.

I congratulate you upon you Stone H. Lure getting showed. I hope you may continue to get ahead, as has myself. I can say the home you see. I have reenlisted for three years more for which I got $6.50, which helps me along pretty well. You asked me to tell you where Ary farm is. It is in the town of Bronton. It is situated near the union bridge. It puts from 40 to 50 ton hay this year and is under way to exceed that another year. Any stock it is quite small. I have 5 cows, 3 horses, one herd of cattle. That are old enough to work. My small stock is 3 yearlings, 4 two year olds and 3 year old steers and 4 calves and 72 head of sheep for shearing. I have 3 to kill this fall and 4 to winter. I wish it was so that I might be at home and tend them myself. But it cannot be for I have pledged my word to stay and stay I must and do the bidding for two years more and then be free from them.

I must leave for a short time and go out to Inspection of Armaments and Equipment and then I will finish, 11 a.m..

3 p.m. After inspection, I will now try and finish this hastily composed letter. Friend Clark, I hope you will excuse me as I am unable to write a suitable answer to you but I will do the best I can and that is all is required of anyone. You will see by comparing this by the one you have that the Old 5th Corps has much to say and has been very successful for we now hold position of one of the rebs most important rail roads by casting a glance at the mass. You will ascertain exactly our location with the few remarks I am about to make.

Friday, 30th. We received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to make a short notice at daylights. We started and marched about 6 ½ miles and firing was heard in front. The command was halted and skirmishers throughout the command moved on until we reached this road. The 1st SS (to which I belong) being in front commenced tearing up the track. The other 3 Divisions moved across the road and formed in line of battle to meet the enemy if they should attempt to cross and always we did not have long to wait for the rebs soon showed themselves in three lines of battle and they came with a yell and was refused. They charged five or six times. The last time they massed all of their forces on our eight and they were successful for a time testing our boys. A short distance however, our lines quickly reformed the forces position sustaining heavy loss and inflicting loss upon the enemy. This ended the first day’s work. Saturday, all was quiet. Exception, very little picket firing. It rained hard most all day. No engagements all day. Sunday. Fair and warm. The whole command was under arms. At day break for our pickets had been dug in during Saturday night and when it was light enough, we could see the rebs marching. Marching about 1 pm. O’clock they came down upon us like a thunder storm. I was stationed in the front line of breast works and it allowed me to see them come. For I know they could not unconflict what they direct and I do have to see human beings that down like wild beast. Well they came on in our lines and the front line got up to retreat and surrender the other three lines broke and rain in every direction. I have been told that he made a reasonable assault on Sunday and was defeated at every front. We captured seven thousand prisoners and seven of battle flags. We still hold possession of the road and will not be driven form our position. There I have bored you with my pontificating. I will draw to a close by wishing you and yours all the happiness this world affords.

From you Friend and well wishes,

W. H Foss

Please write soon and vie me all the news.

Please address:

William H. Foss
Company B, 1st Independent Sharpshooters
1st Brigade, 5th Corps
Washington, DC

N. B. Sometimes last month there was an order East to us that any man having a rifle at home and would send and get it, should be organized and be called 1st Battalion Independent Thomas J. Shooters. I don’t know how and got long rifle and we have been about two hundred of us, two companies, A and B. I like much better than in the regiment.

William H. Foss

Wm. H. Foxx

Wm. H. Foss
Company B’1st Battalion Sharpshooters
1st Brigade, 5th Corps
Washington, DC

Please overlook mistakes and poor penmanship for I am seated on the ground and my knee for a writing desk.

Please write the first opportunity.