23rd Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-7759

Description

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


Getty’s Station, Virginia
April 15, 1864

Dear Father,

I received yours of the 11th inst. this afternoon and was, as usual, very pleased to hear from home. My health is still very good though I feel a little tired. Since writing my last, we had the pleasure of having a little mill with the rebels of Virginia. The scene of operations being near Smithfield. The place where that federal force was used up last winter. We started from here day before yesterday. Accompanied by the 9th New Jersey, 25th Massachusetts and one battery of light artillery. Went in transports up the James River and landed seven miles above Smithfield yesterday morning. The other regiments and battery landing a good deal nearer the latter place.

Our skirmishers drove in the enemy’s pickets at 6 o’clock in the morning and it was not long before we came upon the cusses behind a breastwork. Company G was sent forward on the right and Company I on the left. And there was some pretty sharp firing for a little while. But then rebs seeing they were flanked fell back in a little while and we took possession of the breastwork. At this place we had two men wounded, one belonging to Company G and one to C. we were soon on the march again for Smithfield. But had gone but a little ways, when we came upon the rebs again. They had taken up a position on the opposite side of a mill pond at a place called “Raines Mills”. Four companies were ordered forward and opened fire and you had better believe there was a messy time for a while. I don’t know how a fight could be kept up so long with so small a number hurt. For I don’t think the rebs had a man hurt or not, more than one anyhow. And we only had one wounded. Though I don’t think he will live if he is not already dead. A little after nine o’clock in the a.m. the rebs were driven from their position and we captured three prisoners. One of them a signal officer.

After the fight was over, the Colonel concluded to fall back to the river, not being able to transport the wounded far and being afraid of being cut off in the rear, as some of the gray backs were already behind us and following us up. On the way back to the river, the rebel cavalry kept close upon our rear and we were exchanging shells with them all the time. At one time, they dashed out into the road within a hundred yards or less of the rear guard. But did not get punished for their attempt, though they tried hard enough to give them fits. If we had only had a company of the 3rd New York Cavalry with us we could have gotten along very well. But as it was, the rebs had the advantage of us. Though I guess they found that the 23rd can stand fire. (One of the prisoners said he had heard of our regiment in North Carolina). They succeeded in seriously wounding Company L and some of Company I before we got to the river. But after we got through there, it was almost an end to the firing. We took possession of a battery, formerly a rebel work of considerable strength. And stayed there until 9 o’clock last night. When a transport came up for us and we got out of that ticklish position. We got back to camp 3 a.m. with three men wounded and one wounded and taken prisoner. The other part of the expedition only had one man wounded. Though two officers belonging to the Minnesota were killed while landing in a small boat. I think we were pretty lucky in getting out of it as we did. For that is a dangerous place for a small body of men up there.

But it is almost Taps and I must close. Give my love to all.

Your affectionate son,

Charley

We have been paid off and I will send home in this and some more in my next. I have received Abbie’s photograph and will write to her in a few days.

C. M. Maxim