13th Massachusetts Infantry - Killed at Gettysburg

Item LTR-8395

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


In Camp near Fletcher’s Chapel, VA
January 17, 1863

Dear Father & Mother,

Your letter No 3 is at hand and glad I was to get it. I received it yesterday eve. I was glad to hear that you were enjoying your usual good health. I was surprised some to hear that you were going to move but I would not stay after such actions on the part of Mr. Allen. If you could get work, I would advise you to move to Woburn again. I think you could get work there. I am still enjoying the best of health. You cannot say but what I have written often enough lately twice a week. I was glad to get the postage stamps for I wanted them to put on letters that were going to Fred and others.

We are still here in camp. But do not know how long we shall stay here. We expect to have to leave every day. Which way we are a going we know not, but a good many think we are again going across the river to see Johnny Reb. But I can’t think so there has been a detail from every regiment in the division every morning lately. Two men from each company with spades and axes to build a road which they say heads to the river which is about 5 miles from here. Whether we march over that road remains to be seen. It is a corduroy road that is made of small logs laid down crossways of the road that is to get rid of the mud. If we do go across that river, we will have to come back quicker then we went over. I hope we shall never go.

It is quite cold here. Tonight the ground is froze hard,. But I am snug in my tent with a warm fire in the fireplace which makes it hot in here. We had a very hard rain here night before last and a very high warm wind. It cleared off yesterday morning and before night it grew very cold. We have not had any drill since dinner. We never have any Saturday afternoon. I wish I could be home tomorrow with you. But cannot I suppose, though that I will not be forgotten but the usual letter be written for me. But I hope to be where there will be no need for any letters sent to me. You must excuse this poorly composed sheet. I cannot somehow bring my thoughts into writing. Trim my love to all at home. May God bless you all. I must close because it is time to go to bed now. Goodbye until another time.

From your affectionate son,
Charles Andrews