7th Massachusetts Infantry - Wounded at Wilderness

Item LTR-8897

Description

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


Camp Near Brandy Station, VA
November 24th 1863

Dear Jim,

I set myself down with pen in hand to write you a few lines. For I know you must be waiting for a letter from me by this time in answer to the one you was pleased to send me lately. I was glad to hear from you and hope to more often hereafter. Hope this finds you and yours the young Jim’s included in good health.

Your letter must have been delayed on the road somewhere for I see it was posted on the 6th inst. I did not receive it until the 20th.

Of myself will write, am Butter Tide up, in good health and getting along as well as one can expect in this business. We have been under marching orders all the forenoon. But as it has been stormy, our moving has been postponed for 48 hours. We have been in our present camp since the late fight at Rappahannock Station November 7th. Our next move, I suppose, will be to cross the Rapidan and another Big Fight to take place soon, somewhere near Hanover Court House. Half way between our present stopping place and Richmond. At least that is the rumors here now. How true twill prove to be, time will show. I hardly know what to write you. For I suppose you are fully posted as to affairs going on here from letters sent home.

This soldiering is rough. I am counting the months, weeks and days before I shall get a chance to be there at home with you. And do think I can tell you better of things than I am writing of them.

I see that they have called for 300,000 more men north and money is being freely paid in the way of bounty money to raise them. I hope they may get them. But I would just like to see the purse that would hold the money to tempt your nephew out here again. I find that a $1,000 bounty doesn’t look bigger than a three cent bit out here sometimes. Especially if one is where the shells are whistling anywhere around him. They have been trying to get this regiment to reenlist. But the boys don’t seem to see it much. Whalen, Gerry, Harner and others are still around here. Look about the same. Old Six Pences often inquire about you and what you are up to.

Do you often see Ally Meeson? What is he doing? Eben Dean and Johnny Carps I suppose are still around. Would just like to take a look round them corners to see if they remained in the same place. And my friends Peter Cook, Puddin Dan are still some of the institution around there. Write us again soon Uncle Jim. I will for the present close for other duty. Call my attention at present.

Give my respects to all the folks and friends.

I still remain yours, etc.

Charles W. Terry
Company A, 7th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers
Washington, DC

To James A. Manchester