3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery

Item LTR-9296

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink. Weston served with the:
5th Connecticut Infantry, 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery & 12th United States Colored Heavy Artillery during the war.


Fort Greble
Near Washington, DC

Sunday, July 17th 1864

My Dear Uncle and Aunt,

Agreeable to my promise, I write you this to let you know of the good success attending my examination in Washington before General Casey. After I arrived in Washington, I reported to the General and was told that some 10 or 12 days would pass before my turn would come. So, I spent the whole of that time in visiting all the places of interest or notoriety. And when I was called before the board, I was at once recommended for a Captain of the first class. And I was informed by the Adjutant General that I should probably receive my commission not far from the 1st of September.

The day after my examination, I returned to my Company where I have stayed ever since. So therefore, I was here during the recent excitement. Which I think was more intense in Philadelphia than here. For here we were all prepared and waited anxiously for them to make their advance. Which they did only in small squads. For they have a wholesome fear of our line of earthworks. I will tell you something that is not generally known. But at the time the rebel raid was made, there was stationed in these defenses 60,000 well-armed and disciplined troops, irrespective of the 100-day men or the troops from General Grant. So, all that talk about their capturing or burning the city was all bosh. As every inch of ground for 3 miles around the outside of the line of defenses is swept by scores of cannons of the heaviest caliber. And to make an assault on them would truly ensure speedy and certain destruction. The troops from Grant’s Army swelled our numbers to at least 125,000. And the universal prayer of us all was that the rebels would storm the works.

When I get my commission, I shall try to obtain a leave of absence. And if successful, I will spend a portion of it in Philadelphia. For during my 30 days, I am willing to confess, that I did not do justice to my friends. For you will remember I did not see Cousin Josephine. And so much engaged was I with my studies that I did not know how to spend time enough to eat my food.

My watch is truly a splendid one and keeps as good time as any one ever needs to and I shall keep it until I go home. And then I will leave it there for fear I might be taken prisoner and then I should lose it.

During the raid, Frank was sent out with a detachment. And although he has been gone 2 weeks, I have not heard from him. But a man in the same detachment with him told me that they were surrounded. And that out of 150, only 60 came out alive. So, he may be either one or the other.

I have not heard from Father since I left Philadelphia. So, I can tell nothing of the affairs in Yankeeland. Tell Ella that the little horse she pinned on my coat is there yet. And I have worn it out upon 3 parades.

Since I have been in the Fort this last time, I have been put in charge of all the musicians and musical affairs in the Fort. So that I have hardly anything to do, except to watch the rest and see that each does his share. I think your patience is by this time well nigh exhausted. So, I will close by sending “love to all.” Write soon to,

Your affectionate Nephew,

LeRoy G. Weston

Address: 7th Company, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Washington, DC.