40th Pennsylvania Infantry - Wounded & Captured at Fredericksburg - On the Field at Gettysburg

Item LTR-9982

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink. Served on the field at Gettysburg


U.S. General Hospital
Annapolis

Thursday evening
February 26, 1863

Dear Pastor,

I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your kind favor of the 23rd inst.. On this day, I sympathize with Mr. Fleming and family in their loss of a member of the family circle. I feel sorry to hear of Curtis’ death. Although, I anticipated the news from what our folks wrote concerning his sickness.

I received a letter today from Brother Harrison, which is dated February 17th 1863. He was well when he wrote. They expect to move as soon as the condition of the roads will admit. There is not much news today from Vicksburg. Rumors had it a day or two since that it was captured. But the news was not reliable. It is now reported and probably true that though the agency of a rebel captain forced to act as guide on the “Queen of the West” up the Red River, that vessel has fallen into the hands of the enemy. That seems a bad affair. But the trust of a good cause for success is in more of the invention of man. And when a good providence has sufficiently chastised his people to correct their faults, he will save them with his own hand.

My health continues good and my wound is entirely well. I can walk as well as ever. I was afraid a while ago that my knee would be partially stiff. But I am thankful to be able to say that such is not the case. I am assisting our Ward Master who has a sore hand. He is not getting much better. And as this is a much better situation than Camp Parole, I shall stay as long as there is need for me or until I be exchanged. The patients here are getting along very well. The officers of our army, who were captured at Fredericksburg, were released on parole and arrived here on the 21st inst..

There is no news today from the “Army of the Potomac.” All seems “quiet” in that direction. Congressional proceedings are interesting now. Some very important bills have passed and others are pending. The “Committee on the Conduct of the War” are also busy. Major General McClellan is being examined by them now. There are said to be “grave charges” against him. But if that were the case, he would very likely be brought before a Court Martial. I like him yet, and unless positive proof from official sources be furnished of his mismanagement, I shall give him the credit of doing his part with ability. Shall such proof be furnished, then I shall sadly yield to the finding of facts in his case.

Remember me as before to all inquirers. My respects to Mrs. B. and the rest of your family.

Write again when convenient.



Very respectfully your obedient servant,

George A. Black
Ward 27, Section 1
U.S. General Hospital
Annapolis, Maryland

To Reverend J. F. Boyd
Harrisville, Pennsylvania