115th New York Infantry - Colonel - Wounded at Olustee, FL & Petersburg, VA

Item LTR-7767

Description

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


Headquarters, 15th New York Volunteers
Camp at Beaufort, South Carolina

August 13th 1863

General P. H. Fonda

My Dear Sir,

It affords me extreme pleasure to be able to write accentually to my friends. Whether my correspondence is agreeably accepted or not is not taken in consideration with me. I therefore do not hesitate to trespass on the time of those on whom I may or may not inflict the perusal of my penned thoughts.

It is a long time General, since we have exchanged those pleasant interferons which occurred often daily and seldom beyond a week at most. It is different now.

I trust, however, I may be permitted to return to my family and friends. And resume the relations of friendship regard and esteem of the many with whom so long I have been honored with an acquaintance.

There are many cares in the Army that are not as pleasant as in civil life. I have known of no request in the service which has not had an ordeal of trouble and difficulty to pass through. This usually arises more or less from causes of so many ambitious officers gathered together from an extended district. Each desirous requesting of promoting his own interest. Rather than that of the service. My regiment as soon as a vacancy existed for Major became divided as to who was to succeed and the result has been a scene of rule or reign. At least such has been the attempt. Public evidence will soon be exhibited of the result. Charges were preferred against me to prevent me from recommending a suitable officer for Major. I demanded a court the same day had it appointed and was tried. And each charge and specification relieved from. And a resolution unanimously cursing the party who preferred the charges (Captain French Saratoga) as being of a frivolous and vexatious character. And thus, resulted in a resignation by him. So you see we have not here the Southern enemy alone to contend with but an internal one. Also, however, it is no doubt all for the best. It would afford me great pleasure to get a furlough of twenty days to visit my home and friends. This however is not probable very soon. As this department under general Gilmore has work for all. And it must be attended to. And none are or can be excused unless sick, lame, halt or blind.

For the last sixty days, I have had a great part of the time every man fit for duty, detailed from the command for provost picket and other duties. It is almost impossible to describe to you the energy, vigilance and determination of General Gilmore.

He seems to be a night and day worker. Is with his officers and men everywhere and all over seemingly at the same time.

Charleston is with us most uppermost in the minds of all. The bombarding can be heard here distinctly a distance of over fifty miles in a direct line. Charleston will be taken and it’s only a question of time. The sooner however the better. This part of Dixie is no place for a while to live and try to labor in the warm season it cannot be done. Without sickness following. I have two attacks of intermittent fever. Have fully recovered and all now in usual good health.

With kind respects and cordial best wishes for Mrs. Fonda and yourself.

I am most respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

S. Sammons
Colonel
Commanding
115th New York Volunteers