8th & 127th United States Colored Troops

Item LTR-7522

Description

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


Camp near Chapin’s Farm, Virginia
October 29th 1864

Dear Parents and Friends,

I have not written home very lately as I have been somewhat busier than usual and have had nothing in particular to communicate. I wrote to Daniel on the 14th I think, after the fight we had on the 13th. Have received a letter since then from Daniel and from Latitia and Lucina. I wish you would, any of you, write as often as you can. And I suppose Rob is about as often as you choose, not being obliged to act under orders as we are and so can take time to write, etc., whenever you wish) without waiting for regular answers from me. I shall endeavor to keep you essentially posted and regard to my condition and welfare from time to time as opportunity offers.

We had another fight yesterday and day before (27th and 28th) similar to that of the 13th,. But fortunately and for the first time when any fighting was going on in the vicinity, our regiment was held in reserve. The fighting was skirmishing and not a regular battle, to occupy the enemy in this vicinity while movements more important were made elsewhere.

We left our camp about 4 o’clock in the morning of the 27th and when we got into position (at daylight) to commence the fighting, Colonel Doubleday (commanding the brigade) told us we should be held in reserve. Saying he thought we had done our part of the fighting thus far and that he hoped we should not be called upon to fire a shot. As the 8th had two good officers and men to be sacrificed without their services were really needed.

So we were drawn up about 80 rods in rear of the skirmish line, in the woods, and remain there all day. And in the night moved to the rear farther where we remained till about 4 p.m. the next day, when we came back to camp. So that we were not under fire except of the artillery to some extent, some of the shells passing in rather unpleasant vicinity to us. One passed within two or three feet of me as we were lying in the woods cutting off the bushes and scattering the leaves and passed on throwing the dirt onto some of the officers beyond. But hurting no one, as it did not explode. This was the nearest that any came to us and no one in the regiment was hurt.

We are encamped where we have been since the 14th. About a quarter of a mile in rear of the fortifications, very comfortably situated in the edge of a piece of woods. We live in log houses. Have you received the money or the carpet bag I sent express?

I have received my commission as Captain, which I was expecting when I wrote to Daniel last. Was very anxious in regard to J. until L. wrote that he was getting better. Hope to hear that he is continuing to do so. He must have been very sick, give my love to him. Tell Daniel I received his tickets and had the presidential tickets furnished me here and went over to a New York regiment just before we marched, to have my vote sworn in. (As it has to be by a New York state officer.) But did not find the proper person in and now I shall be unable to attend to it before it is too late.


Remember me to all who inquire after me and give my love to L. and family. Write soon.

Very affectionately your son and brother,

Captain Thomas Young
8th United States Colored Troops
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Army Corps