7th New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-8698

Description

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


Bermuda Hundred, Virginia

July 1st 1864

Uncle Gardner and Aunt Lucrecia,

I am about to write you a few lines and tell you the news which I hope will prove to the contrary. Sometime last week our forces made a raid on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. The object of the raid was to destroy the railroad. And there was 35 or so cavalry and 18 pieces of artillery sent to do this and a train of ambulances were sent to bring back the wounded if there should be any. But they tore up 50 miles of the railroad, destroyed three engines, a number of buildings and some stores. Charles Rideout was ordered to go on this raid with his ambulances. And he went and after they had done all that they wanted to do they started to come back but found themselves surrounded by rebels. Then the next thing was for them to cut their way out and the cavalry went into it and cut a road through the rebel lines. And all but 100 of the cavalry got back. Andy they report that the last they saw of the artillery, they were shooting their horses. And the ambulances were all set on fire by the drivers and they are supposed to have been taken prisoners. But one of the cavalry officers told me that there was a great many coming in that was supposed to be captured. He says that there has been some come back to our lines every day since the affair happened. And it may be that Charles has got into Petersburg with some of the rest or if he hasn’t got in yet, he will if there is a chance for any one. There is a report here that our folks have retaken all of those prisoners that were taken by the rebels in the Danville Railroad but whether it is so or not I cannot tell. It does not seem to me that Charles is taken prisoner. He would hide in some hole or corner until night and then travel. But he not being acquainted with the road, it might take him a week to get in. But I thought it my duty to write and let you know the facts of the case and I hope that you will rest easy until I can find out more about it. For sometimes things turn out rather singular in the army. Our forces are doing well here and at Petersburg. But I think that it will be some time before Richmond is taken. For I think that General Grant has got the rebels about where he wants them. And soon he will let his troops lay still and let the rebels sweat, as he has got all of the railroads cut off and they have no means of getting supplies into Richmond. Rebel deserters say that they have taken all of our prisoners to Georgia. I am sorry to have such news to write you but keep up good courage. It may turn out better than we expect. I shall try and find out all that I can about it and let you know. My health is good as usual and I hope that these few lines will find you all the same. My best respects to Hannah. Please accept the same yourselves with my best wishes.

Your Obedient Servant,

George H. Bartemus

Please direct to:
Fortress Monroe, Virginia
7th New Hampshire Volunteers
10th Army Corps