Union Civil War Soldier's Letter 1863

Potomac Creek Bridge ca 1861 to 1865

Union Civil War soldier's letter, dated Camp Massachusetts, Near Potomac Creek, Jan 28 1863, from Private George F. Stone, Company "D," 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, to his brother Perley

In part, "Here last night it began to rain, turning into snow ... a real 'Noth Easter' and now the mud and snow together are very deep and the possibility of operations on the offensive put far away into the future. I think I have written of our camping in the woods. 

You should see ... the large pines bending beneath its accumulated weight ,until one can hold no more ... woe to the unlucky .. who might be passing ... big patches have been dropping 'thud' 'thud' kerslap ... upon our tent ... I received ... the box in good order. The apples had not hurt to notice, nor the cakes and pie, tho' the little tunover had a coat of green and there was no lack of spice, the cover having come off the box of ginger, but that was no harm and we have plenty of the article, but the bottle of mint in solution was a puzzle, as yet I have only smelt of it. The mince and one cake ... have been tried and pronounced first rate, and also the apples. ... 

The boots are a fit, though large, which is a good fautt, the clothing all very acceptable and what I wished. I am much pleased with the knive and pocket book ... the diary and portfolio will daily find use ... " Also received a sewing kit. " I would like a needle or two in next letter, as those sent have eyes too small for black thread that we use. 

I should have received it ten days ago, but that last week our grand division, with the left guard division, made a move to attack the rebels; the intent was to surprise them crossing the river above Fredericksburg and so turn their works, but that weather was against us and ere, the pontoons were at the river side from the opposite beach. 

The rebel song 'Burnside in the mud' guided us and we were fast, so commenced 6 days in floundering above in the mud, accomplishing but a march of six miles and return, the loss in horses and teams very great. The prospect is worse now than ever. [Union generals] Burnside, Sumner and Franklin were relieved, and Hooker took the command of the whole Army Monday at 5 A.M. I can see enough to make us cheer or hope for a speedy end of this war. But hope for the best. 

I believe little 'Mac' [Union General George McClellen] will yet have to come back. We, the Army of the Potomac, will do anything. Desertions are very numerous,1,800 from one corps this year. Something is truly needed to put heart into the men ...

[signed] George F.

Camp Michigan, Virginia,1862

Alexandria Virginia Soldier's Cemetery ca 1861-1865

Union Civil War soldier's letter dated Camp Michigan, Virginia, Feb 2 1862, from Private Edward A. Mitchell, Company "K," 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment, to his brother A. H. Winchell, PO Box 484, Detroit MI;

original stampless cover postmarked Alexandria Virginia, Feb 5 1862, with ovate "Due 3" postal rate marking, accompanies the letter. The content reads, in part:

"I would like to know how ... [his friends] are getting along in different parts of the Army. I receive letters from Kentucky, that is from Ben. The last I heard from him the regiment were going towards Bowling Green to guard railroads. He says he has not seen a Sesesch [rebel] and no signs of seeing any. He says he was well and getting along finely. 

And have you ever heard from Dick Thayer since he left Detroit[?] I believe the regiment is quartered at Baltimore, where it has been ever since it came from the state. I have no news to tell you. All the news we have got out of the New York and Baltimore [news] papers, which we get every other day, but I do not see one in two weeks. 

I have received two Weekly Advertisers in the last two weeks and I guess thery are going to come all right after this. I found a good deal of news in the last paper I received ... if you take any weekly papers, will you send one to me after you have read it ... [?] I have nothing to read and it would pass away a good deal of spare time. If you don't take any, why never mind ... I got so hungry that I had to quit writing and get some bread to eat before I could finish the letter. 

Stephen Lowell is sergeant. He was promoted about three or four weeks ago. I was going to have my picture taken with all of my dressings on and send it home, but I had not money enough so I will wait until next pay. I got all but six and a half dollars dollars of that twelve that was sent me & that Nat Jacobs owed me. He went away without paying me. He came to see me in the morning before he went, and he said he would come in the afternoon and see me again, but he did not come so I lost the money ... If you see him, try and collect it ... [signed] "Bro. Ed."