1st New York Dragoons

Item LTR-7390

Description

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


Camp Suffolk, Virginia
May 4th 1863

Dear Wife,

Thinking that you would be anxious to hear from me, I thought I would address this letter to you. The rebels have dispersed. We had a fight here yesterday and drove the Rebels two miles. There was upwards of one hundred killed and wounded on our side. The Rebels’ loss is not known yet. They are retreating towards Petersburg. They left last night at ten o’clock. Many deserters have come into our lines. Already forces have gone out from Suffolk on all the roads. We are in the rifle pits yet but expect to go in camp tomorrow. The Rebels have made up their minds that they cannot take Suffolk. They would never have attacked Suffolk but they supposed that our brigade had gone to North Carolina to reinforce Foster. But they got mistaken this time. The woods is full of dead Rebels that was killed by our shells. They lost a great many men more than we did.

Tell Ett that she must write. Mite is going to write a few lines to Ett in this letter, so give my respects to all and my love to you. From your ever true and affectionate husband,

Robert H. Greenfield

Dear friends,

As Henry was writing, I thought I would try and address you by the pen to let you know that I am well and hope this will find you the same. The excitement seems to be here today that the Rebs has give us the slip, but our boys are after them and they just sent in 8 prisoners that had tired out and we are giving them fits. I should like to see you but I can’t and there is no use of talking.

Where is the boys this summer and has Silva gone to teaching? I suppose that she will make them fly about. Ester, how I should like to be to Rob’s - to one dance, wouldn’t you? Certainly you would tell Mary that I sleep with her man every night but will give him up to her soon as the war closes. I suppose that my gals in Grove is well and I should like to make them a call. Now Ester, I shall have to close. Please excuse this poor writing and my love to you and all of my friends. Write soon and answer your cousin, Mite.