Letter – Joseph Younger, 18 August 1864

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Letter of Lieutenant Joseph G. Younger of Company F, 53rd VA Infantry (Armistead’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division), to his cousin. Younger writes that his brothers are well, but he has been ill. He remarks on how hardened soldiers have become to suffering, observing that they hardly care if someone dies as long as it is not a relative. Younger inquires on whether his cousin has found him a “sweetheart.” Younger describes shelling at Petersburg, VA. He hopes the war will soon end. He thinks the Confederacy should conscript African Americans to fight for them like the Union has.

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Cousin August the 18th 1864,

Your long looked for letter has come at last. It has been duly perused it finds Marion & Nathan well but I am quite sick and have been for some time. I do not think I shall be able to finish this epistle on account of my head swimming so bad it seems to me the paper is turning round all the time. Cousin it is so bad to be away off here sick, where no Femenine hand is to feel of ones fevered pulse. nor any kind and affectionate sister, mother, relative or friend to watch one as he lays and suffers upon the ground, soldiers have become used to so many suffering that they have no sympathy for one that is sick, so long as they can keep will if one die it makes no difference with them so the

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unfortunate one is no relation of theirs if one gets killed in battle it is the same case. This indeed is a hard time. People are bound to become better or I think they will be cut off and perish all over the land. I think it has rained all over the state by this time we have had quite a nice shower since I have been writing and it looks like coming down down again shortly. So you have not picked me out any particular young Ladie for a sweet heart you say that there are several nice young Ladies in that neighborhood but you will wait and let me come and pick for myself. Cousin I think I should be pleased, at any choice you would make for I am shure your fancie and taste would be perfect You speak of Miss Emma Womack as being a nice young Ladie I should

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Judge so for I have heard a good deal of talk about her but Mr W or Mr Younger is too far ahead for any of us to talk about her. Marion though seems satisfied about it so I must be too as I am not acquainted with her he says she is one of his best friends and he is certain she will let him know when she is going to get married. There were terrible terrible shelling at Petersburg this morning before day I have not as yet heard the cause of it. We will have hot time here soon I think, a good deal of sickness are getting among our soldiers I am in hopes the war will end soon I have thought it would end this winter but I do not know how it will end nor when I know this much it cannot end too soon for us I think it had as well end this winter as

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to go on next spring for it will never end by fighting no-how, We have to fight negroes now driven up to us by the white yankeys our men fought them at Petersburg & also on the other side of the river a day or so ago our boys allways slay them when they get a chance at them but it is a shame for our good young white men to be killed by a yankey negro, I think if they fight negroes against us we ought to conscript some of our to meet them I reckon our negroes would fight as well as theirs. I must close as I am getting so weak I cannot sit up write soon I remain Your affectionate Cousin

J G Younger

Joseph G. Younger enlisted as a private on July 10, 1861 at Union Church, VA in Company F of the 53^rd VA Infantry. He was promoted corporal August 14, 1861; sergeant December 15, 1861; but was reduced to private on May 5, 1862. He was hospitalized August 18, 1862 at Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond, VA with diarrhea, then marked as ‘absent’ and sick at home in September of 1862. He was present December 15, 1862, then hospitalized again on February 28, 1863 at Lynchburg, VA. Present once more April 15, 1863. He was appointed 2^nd lieutenant on April 4, 1863, but on November 12, 1864 he requested a transfer to the artillery “due to a lack of respect shown him by the men of his company.” Younger was duly transferred into the Halifax VA Light Artillery Battery on December 15, 1864. He survived the war, and later lived in Mississippi County, AR until his death April 13, 1916. His brothers Francis Marion, and Nathan, served at least through the end of 1864, both being issued clothing at Fairfax, VA on December 31, 1864. However, no further military documents could be found for all.

The 53^rd VA Infantry was one of the most prominent of Virginia regiments, serving from December 1, 1861 until April 9, 1865. As a part of Armistead’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division, it was among the foremost in the famous “Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg, led by Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead over the stone wall at the Angle during the height of the assault on July 3, 1863. Here the regiment lost 34 killed, 140 wounded, and 150 prisoners or missing, total of 314. It is believed all three Younger brothers were present and survived this ordeal.

Letter – William Hooper, 24 August 1864

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Letter written by Private William E. Hooper of Battery K, 4th US Artillery, to his uncle, dated August 24th, 1864, from the Battleground of Deep Bottom. Hooper writes that he is in Battery K, though he belongs to the 10th MA Battery. He says that his battery suffered heavily at the Battle of Deep Bottom. He mentions the wages he receives, and the amount he will get when the war ends, if he doesn’t “expire on the battlefield.” Hooper’s regiment will soon begin marching to Petersburg again, and he writes that the 5th Corps has cut the railroad to Richmond. Hooper is adamant that he does not want peace if it comes at the price of southern independence, he would rather the Union remain intact at any cost. He is confident William T. Sherman will get Atlanta, and Grant will get Petersburg. He mentions seeing both Grant and General George Meade frequently.

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Battery K 4 U.S. Artillery

Aug. 24th deep bottom on the James river

Dear Uncle

Tis with much pleasure that I improve these few moments to write you. Again I am in the war. I enlisted the 2th of last January My health is good, I have been through every battle during Grants summer campaign, I am in Battery K the 4 U.S. artillery but belong to the 10th Mass. Battery, this branch of service I like much. we wer all through the wilderness

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and Spotsylvania fights also at Coal [Cold] Harbor, and so for in front of Petersburg, I am in the Old 2th Corps. the Artillery Brigade we have now jut came out of the battle at deep bottom at this place my Battery suffered heavly, but we drove the enemy, and captured 4 Cannon and 2 morters beside a lot of prisoners.

Well Uncle. the war looks somewhat dark on our side yet, but success is shure in time Petersburg must go up, and it shurely will then Richmond is ours Have patience with you and we will do the same in the field. Patience and

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perserverance only issues success in any department of study, and such we are trying to do in our wholly [holy] cause. I hear that Grant father is dead. He died at Aunt Marrys did he not. wer you down at his burial. The folks are all as well as Usual at home Emily and Charles are married. Charles is in Philadelphia a nurse in a Gen. Hospital. His wife is also there. He was married in Baltimore. Emily lives in Lynn, Mass. She is married to a shoe dealer. Lucinia is in Portsmouth at work on her sewing machine. and James and Georgia are at

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home. William is in the Army, and here expect to stay for the next two years, and 4 months. When I came out I received $25.00 with 16 dollars per month. and one hundred more bounty at the close of the war, or expiration of my time. if it dont expire on the Battlefield. Where is Albert. Give him my best respects and tell him to come out and help us take Richmond. I send my love to all of my cousins. and hope that I shall live to see them all ~~again~~. Did you get much of a drought with

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you this summer. The weather has been very hot here during august but the season has been pretty cool, We are now just again to commence our march back to Petersburg. The 5th Corps has cut the Railroad running to Richmond, but I am doubtful if they can hold it. we continue shelling the Enemy in front all the time. They are pretty saucy yet and want to be let alone, and want their Independence badly but I dont see it, and hope the Nation will fight them to the last man

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and all go up together if any goes up at all. Peace we can have by withdrawing our armies from the suthern territories, but shall we do this, and give up the best part of our Union. No, but fetch every man into the field, and conquer or all perish together. Sherman is doing well at Atlanta, and will have the place as shure as US. Grant got Vicksburg – That Grant is here among us now, I see him about everyday. and where do you suppose he is seen the most. It is where the Cannon and musketry is thundering the loudest and he is always smoking

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Gen meade I see two or three times a day. His headquarters are close beside me now. The Johnnys put away at meades headquarters once and a while but dont do much damage In my last Battle at deep Bottom we My Battery fought them hand to hand fight. They came near taking my battery, but we poured the Grape, and canister among them so hot that they fell in piles before our Cannons we had many men in my battery and many horses. I cannot think of much more to write you now. But will you write as soon as you get

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this. I should like to hear from you.

Address you letters

Wm E Hooper

Battery K 4 U.S. Artillery

Artillery Brigade

2th Corps Army of the Potomac

Washington D.C.

William E. Hooper, a clerk from York, ME originally enlisted at age 21 in Company K of the 27th ME Infantry on September 30, 1862. He was discharged for disability on May 7, 1863. Then he reenlisted with the 10th MA Light Battery on January 2, 1864 but was assigned to Battery K, 4th US Artillery. He was again discharged for disability on December 30, 1864 at Fort Washington, MD.

Letter – Robert McClure, 23 August 1864

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Letter written by Captain Robert B. McClure, Assistant Adjutant General, Staff of Major General William B. Bate, dated August 23rd, 1864. McClure is writing to Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher H. Archer of the 3rd VA Infantry. McClure received the letter Archer sent him from Petersburg, VA. McClure writes that he is determined to see the end of the Atlanta Campaign as long as his health allows. He mentions that General Bate was wounded by a Minnie ball in his knee, and that John C. Brown now commands the division. McClure requests that Archer send him his boots as well as socks, soap, and a comb. He wants Archer to come visit the camp, and sends his love to friends and family. McClure also describes recent actions of Wheeler’s Cavalry, including rumors that they blew up a tunnel between Dalton and Chattanooga.

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Hd Qrs Bates Div August 23rd August 1864

Dear Col

Your letter written at Petersburg was only received by me, about [ten?] day ago, I was indeed glad to hear from you, I did not know what in the world had become of you, for I had written several letters to Macon & Griffin but could hear nothing of you, and did not know until I got your letter where you were, Since that time I have learned through Charlie Pucco that you were in Augusta and also his mother and the children I wish very much I could be with you, but I am determined to [paper torn] this Campaign as long as my health [paper torn] good but I still hold up and do my duty and a great deal of it too, Genl Bate was wounded about two weeks since by a minnie ball just above the knee, the same leg he was before wounded in at Shiloh The wound is not a dangerous one, but a severe one and will keep him from the field six or eight weeks yet, John C. Brown is now commanding the Div, he is a splendid officer, and an elegant gentleman. I like him very much indeed he has been made Maj Genl temporarily Col I would be glad for you to see Ed Obrien who lives with Maj Cunningham, and if my boots are done get them and send them immediately, as I am d— near bare footed, if they are not finished have them right away for me I would be glad for you to send me two pairs of socks and two collars and a nice piece of soap

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and a comb, Tell Ed Obrien to send my calico shirt you get it and all th things to me Direct them to the Care of Lt Col Gus A Henry; Genl Hoods Staff and I will be certain to get them Col, come up yourself, if you can, if its any [???] the change will do you good, We have plenty of room and would like to see you, Henry & [Clive?] are all right and speak of you often, if you do come bring some of the [???] will you for the poor sick soldiers I sent my kindest regards to Mrs Pucco and all the little girls, my love to my little sweetheart and tell her I dont to hear of her flirting with any of those Augustans if she does it will make me very jealous, Our Army is in fine spirits and [paper torn] …of the rail road between here and Dalton and blown up the tunnel between Dalton and Chattanooga, these are rumors, but I think them true, Write soon, if you come up bring me some novels to read

Your true friend

Bob McClure

My kindest regards to Capt Bryann when you see him also Ed Obrien and other friends

Fletcher Harris Archer was born in Petersburg, VA. enlisted April 4, 1861 as a Captain with Company K of the 12th VA Infantry. He was then commissioned into the Field Staff of the 3rd VA Infantry and promoted to Lt. Colonel on May 5, 1861. He was wounded at Petersburg June 14, 1864 then at Sailor’s Creek on April 6, 1865. He died August 21, 1902 and is buried in Blandford Church Cemetery.

Letter – Warren Scott, 19 June 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Warren L. Scott of Battery H, 1st NY Light Artillery, to his mother, from a camp near Petersburg, VA. He describes the movements of his regiment, and mentions crossing the James River. The battery are near Confederate earthworks, and sharpshooters on both sides are constantly firing. He mentions having a uniform made, and how he may get a chance to go to Washington and travel on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Scott describes the “trails and hardships” endured by the army. He is unsure of the physical loss caused by the war, and recounts the many dead and wounded he has seen being transported on ambulances and baggage wagons. He writes that he can only pray to God that he will escape the war with his health.

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Hd Qrs. Battery “H” 1st N.Y. Arty.

Camp near Petersburgh VA

June 19 1864

Dear Mother

This morning I received a very welcome letter from you, dated June 9th teeming as usual with good advice that a christian mother knows how to give.

At present our army is investing the city of Petersburgh, directly south of Richmond – Since last I wrote you our army has been almost constantly on the move – For the third time since I have been in the army I have been within the vicinity of Baltimore Cross Roads. once more upon the banks of the James – crossed upon a pontoon bridge over 2200 feet in length-

To-day the battery is in position within 400 yards of the rebel earthworks. Sharpshooters upon both sides are continually firing at each other – Since yesterday morning we have had eight or ten horses shot down – One man had his right arm blown off by the premature discharge of the piece. Another his thumb while serving the vent at the same time – No one seriously injured by the enemy.

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Col. Wainwright had a close call yesterday – a shot went between his legs, as he was walking along. viewing the rebel works –

The work is so close and hot that a person is very careful how he exposes his head or body – above the redoubt –

How Mat should understand that I was on my way to Washington, from the time of my letter I don’t see – that I was making efforts to pass is true, but I had not sufficient papers and it is for that that I am now waiting. When i go I can not tell. I hope soon. I am at present with the battery but expect every day to receive orders to join temporarily some battery in this brigade and do duly until my papers come around.

Nothing has been told me respecting the uniform that Louis was to have made for me – Suppose I should be sent through by the Baltimore & Ohio R.R. how could I get them Tell Louis to study out the rout I should be about to take and see if they could be expressed in case I telegraph you as soon as I get in Washington-

Dear Mother you can not conceive the trials hardships, suffering &c now that our army is

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enduring. One thing about it we expect no respet [respite] until this army of Lee’s is routed or Richmond taken – If Richmond falls within two months I shall be very glad but if it holds out for a year, when it does fall I shall be equally rejoiced. For my part I have no hopes of the city being taken this year.

We receive very little news. That Lincoln is nominated I have heard but not read – What has been the estimate thus far of our loss. In every town where we halt for a short time all building are made hospitals of – The stores are cleaned and the counters and floors covered with the wounded – If a church, it is made the depot of hundreds of the suffering – Only those who witness it can form any idea of the suffering – Trains of ambulances and baggage wagons miles & miles long loaded with the wounded – All along the roads are seen the graves of the fallen braves – sadly attesting the innumerable throng who have ceased their warfare – God grant my life be spared in perfect health and body, and that I be restored to you again. If ever we needed the prayers of friends at home it is now.

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We need to pray for ourselves

My love to Judge S’s family and other friends.

God have us in his holy keeping until we meet again –

Yours with love

Warren

Direct as usual to “H” Battery and I shall get your letters wherever I am

Warren L. Scott was born in 1838 in Lewis, NY and worked as a teacher. He enlisted at age 23 on September 28, 1861 in Lowville, NY and mustered in as a corporal on October, 12. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Company I on May 2, 1864. He re-enlisted with Company H in Culpeper, VA on December 31, 1864 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He mustered out June 23, 1865 and returned to Lowville where he worked as a postmaster. He died February 12, 1901.

Letter – Wesley Langs, 15 May 1864

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Letter written by Corporal Wesley Langs of Company F, 6th NY Cavalry, to his brother William, from Malvern Hill, VA. His regiment crossed the Rapidan River, and have been marching towards Richmond. He describes destroying the railroads and how they charged the Confederate fortifications at Richmond and held them for a day before being forced to leave. Langs has heard news of the Army of the Potomac, and how General Hancock has captured thousands of Lee’s men. He describes the massive casualties suffered since crossing the Rapidan, and how after one day of fighting he “saw the ground covered with dead Rebels.”

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Malvern Hill, Va

May the 15 1864

Dear Brother as it has been a long time that you have not heard from me and it being the first opportunity that has presented itself to me I thought I would write and let you know that I am still alive and well I suppose you thought that I might be dead when you herd about the movement of our cavalry which I will give you a detail account We crossed the rhapadan [Rapidan] May the fourth and have been marching and fighting every day since Our movement has been on to Richmond We got in the rear of Lees army and distroit [destroyed] the rail roads which caried his supplies with all the supplies and ammunitions.

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We came on a guard that was takeing three hundred of our men to Richmond and recaptured all of them On the twelfth we came to the fortifycations of Richmond and charged the works and took them We held them untill the next day when we were obliged to leave them We had a hard fight before we gave them up Now we lay on the old battle ground of Malvern Hill where we were two years ago – about six miles above Harrison’s Landing We herd this morning that the Army of the Potomac was driving the enemy and that General Hancock had captured twenty-five thousand men all of old Stonewall Jacksons Division We have lost some good men since we crossed the rhapadan. James Chilson is wounded He was struck in the shoulder with a ball

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We do not expect to stay here any length of time The Gunboat is up here and General Smith is at Petersburg Everything is on the move We never saw [such] fighting before It is horible We fought in the woods one day and the next day I was over the same place and saw the ground covered with dead Rebels I want to see the end of this war as soon as posable [possible.] There has been blood enough spilt If we can get hold of the right ones we will soon put an end to such carnage As far as I can learn our armies are doing well I have not time [to] write all the news this time You must write often as you can and dont wait for me Direct as before Good by this time

Wesley Langs

Wesley Langs enlisted at age 25 on December 27th of 1861. He was promoted to corporal on November 1st, 1862, sergeant January 1st, 1865, and was captured at Trevillian Station, VA on June 11, 1864. He mustered out sometime in 1865.

Letter – E. Forrest Koehler, 13 August 1864

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Letter written by Captain E. Forrest Koehler of Company C, 114th PA Volunteer Infantry, to his brother, from the headquarters of the 114th near Petersburg, VA. Koehler writes that he not tired of service, only of the separation from his family. He is determined to stay until the “cruel rebellion” has been eradicated. He is glad his brother has been able to return home, but he dares not ask for leave as they have been actively fighting for several months.

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Hd Qrs 114^th P.V.

Near Petersburg, Va, Aug. 13^th/64

My Dear Brother

Your letter of Augt. 8^th was rec’d by me last night, and read with great pleasure, but it seems Jack that you have not received my letter of June 24^th in answer to yours of April 16^th received by me on the day I answered it-

However Jack let it go, it will turn up all right I suppose after awhile, but it does appear that you and I are very unfortunate in the receipt of each others letters, but never mind Jack, the time will soon come, I hope, when we will not need to write to each other, but will have the extreme pleasure of being home together-

Oh! heavens, how anxiously I look forward to that time – Today I have been three years and five months in the service, (the same time that you have) but Jack understand me distinctly, I am not tired of the service, but I am really tired of the separation from my dear wife & child. To be sure Jack, I have been home, but what does it amount, during the whole time, I have been in the service I have spent 51 days at home, you

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to be sure have not spent so much. But yet we have both made very great sacrifices, but I know you will be like me, that is to glory in it, and feel that we have but done our duty to our country and at the same time feel, that we still owe her a debt that we can never repay- I often times feel as if I would like to leave the service, especially when I think about the “dear ones at home” But Jack I am determined to stay in the service until the “last armed foe expires,” and this cruel rebellion crushed out- You must not think that this determination of mine is made upon the spur of the moment, but it has been my object ever since the war commenced- I trust that my course will satisfy you of that Jack- If the rebellion is not crushed out, I do not wish to live, = I recognize but one flag, and that I have carried successfully through many a bloody field, and I pledge you my honor that it will never be disgraced so long as God spares my life-

But there Jack, I will now change the subject and come down to speak of personal matters. I am very glad you have got home to your family, and I trust you will enjoy yourself very much – I should like very much to see you, but indeed, my [word missing]

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I would not like to apply for leave of absence now. My military career has so far been without a blot, and as we are now actively engaged in the field, I would not for my reputation’s sake, ask for leave especially when the enemy are in our immediate front – We are fighting every day, and have been since the 4^th day of May last, (quite different from the Navy is it not?. But Jack don’t think I reflect – I know you do your share and your full duty -) – If an opportunity offers I shall certainly embrace it to come home, but I do not expect it, until next fall. If you are not put in commission try and come down to see me, I will give you soldier’s fare – You can easily get a pass and I would be very happy to see you. I think I could show you something that would surprise you – We need not go more than a mile before you would see how we work things, and from what you have already experienced it will give you great pleasure – See Judge Kelly, who is now home, and try to come down.

I am a little hurried up, just now and cannot answer your letter fully – A very sharp engagement is now going on at the front and we are ordered under arms, whether it means

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fight or not for us, I cannot say, but if it does believe me, we will do our best

Give my love to my mother & sisters and to your better half – Write soon and give me a much longer letter. The “Assembly” is sounding, I must stop – Love to all, I will in my next give you all the particulars.

Believe me staunch for the Union at all hazards, and affectionately,

Yr Brother

Forrest

I will write again so soon as this little affair we are about starting is over, only keep me posted where you are – Write soon – Tell me how I shall address you by your proper title – I send this to mother – Honestly Jack I have not got time to punctuate this or even read it over – Make it out as best you can – God bless you, stand by the flag – Union or nothing.

Capt. E. Forrest Koehler enrolled in the 114^th PA Volunteer Infantry on August 23, 1862. A veteran of nearly all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, he survived the war and was mustered out May 29, 1865

Letter – Linsey Wills, 10 September 1864

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Letter written by Private Linsey T. Wills of Company K, 10th VA Cavalry, to his sister, from a camp near Ream’s Station. Wills is encamped at Ream’s Station. He mentions shelling on the James River and near Petersburg. Wills lists articles of clothing he is in need of. The latter part of the letter is addressed to Wills’ brother George. Wills believes that if George B. McClellan is elected president, the war will likely be settled. Wills also expresses skepticism at the capture of Atlanta.

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Camp near Ream’s Station

Sept 10 1864

Dear Sister

I received your letter a few days since & would have written to you before now, but forgot it till yesterday, tho’ will not procrastinate longer. This leaves me very well. We are now picketing at Ream’s. Our regt. went on [duty] yesterday. I did not go. Abe had got back & wanted to go, so I let him have my horse to ride, as his horse was sent home. There has been nothing transpired of an interesting character since we got here that I know of. There has been heavy shelling on the James this morning, tho’ I reckon it is from gunboats. Also more shelling than usual near or at Petersburg, tho’ I have not heard the

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result of it. Things are quiet along our lines, so far as I know. I did not expect that Henry [younger brother] would hurry to go in the army & if I was him, I would not do them any good, for he ought to be discharged. I am glad the George got home. I don’t know when I can get home, for I keep well, & my horse is nearly as fat as when I got back from home. I keep well. Tell Mary H. that I told Abe that when he went home for his horse that I wanted him to go to Bedford & get me a pair of pants & go to see Mr. H. He said he was afraid; that if I was along he would go, but to go by his self was too big undertaking for him. Tell her that if he came, that I will have to come

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with him. When he comes, I expect to want you to send me a pair of pants, & the best way will be for you to send them by Preatch & he can carry them to Nelson’s & she can get them from them, tho’ I will let you know. I drew a nice pair the other day and sent them by Abe. Have also a pair of boot tops, & a fine Yankee spoon. I will have them sent home soon. How is my horse. I must close. Sent by L. T. Hills. Well, George, I was very glad to get a letter from you & hear you was at home. I would like to be at home myself, but it seems that I make slow speed at going. We have had two heavy fights since I saw you, tho’ I came out all right, & I intend to

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work the thing on the safest honorable scheme to save my barke [skin]. It is sorter my opinion, if Maclelen [McClellan] is president, that if he offers state’s rights, the next spring they will go back into the union & the fight settled, & if they don’t do that, it is my opinion that the Yankees will flog us at once, & drive the thing to a close. There is no more that will interest you. It has been said that Atlanter [Atlanta] was re-captured but I don’t believe it. Write soon & give me the nuse [news]. Your brother,

L.T. Wills

p.s. I would like to be at the meeting. You must try to make a good thing of it for yourself, yours, etc.

Linsey T. Wills was born in 1837 in Bedford, VA. He enlisted in 1861 and served in T.C. Jordan’s heavy artillery until he was transferred to Company K. He served in the Confederate Army until the surrender at Appomattox. After the war he moved to Texas and worked as an engineer. He married Texas native Mary Simmons in 1870 and raised a family. He died in 1914 from a heart attack following an automobile accident and is buried in Weimar, TX.

Letter – Cornelius Baker, 31 October 1864

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Letter written by Private Cornelius Baker of Company K, 1st ME Cavalry, to his mother, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade near Petersburg, VA. Baker writes that he is still cooking, though he has not been able to bake as much since returning from the hospital. His health has improved as the weather has cooled down. He mentions how George (possibly George Baker, 19th Maine Infantry) is a prisoner in Georgia. He describes a recently-fought battle [Hatcher’s Run, VA], and mentions how his regiment suffered heavy losses. Baker’s regiment captured several prisoners, including the African American drivers of ten Confederate army wagons. Much of the regiment has gone home, having served their full term.

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Head Quarters

3d Brigade, Q.M.D.

Near Petersburg, Va.

October 31/64

Dear Mother

Your very kind and long looked for letter was received this morning, for which I am very thankful. I am pleased to hear from you once more, mother, and to hear that you [are] enjoying a comfortable degree of health.

My health is as good as can be expected. I am still at the same old business (cooking). I have been obliged to give up my old mess on account of my health. I have been unable to attend to baking since I came from the hospital. But since cool weather has made its appearance, I have improved in health

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very rapidly. George is in Georgia, a prisoner. I know of no way that you can get a letter to him. I will ascertain as soon as possible if there is any way to get letters to him, and if there is, I will let you know at once.

This is a cold, rainy evening, but I have a very comfortable chance for which I am truly thankful.

We had a severe battle near this place last Tuesday. Our regiment lost heavily. I think there were about 90 killed, wounded, and missing. Among those that were killed was Lieut. W Collins [Co. E]. He was a fine, promising young man, and is deeply lamented by all that knew him. Our men captured quite a number of prisoners, ten army wagons loaded with provisions, and

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the drivers (all colored men). One of them is with me. He is the smartest darkey that I have seen since I have been out here. He says that God alone knows the suffering there is among the poor class.

Quite a number of our boys have gone home, having served out their term. I shall remain here until spring, then if my life is spared, I shall come to see you and all my old friends.

It is too cold and chilly for me to write much more. Give my love to Aunty; tell her she is thought of and most always spoken of by me. Charlie Lyons is here with me and sends his love to you. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Good bye. Direct your letters

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~~Corenelius V. Baker~~

~~3rd Brigade 1st Maine Cavalry~~

~~Washington D.C. 3d~~

Street to 1st Maine Cavalry

3d Brigade QMD

Washington DC

Yours affect.

C. V. Baker

Cornelius V. Baker, from Houlton, ME, enlisted at age 29 in Co. K, 1^st Maine Cavalry, on March 5, 1862. He served as a private, and was detailed to the quartermaster’s dept. in 1863, and on June 15, 1864 as a teamster. He was discharged March 5, 1865

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Letter – Joseph Younger, 18 August 1864

Letter – William Hooper, 24 August 1864

Letter – Robert McClure, 23 August 1864

Letter – Warren Scott, 19 June 1864

Letter – Wesley Langs, 15 May 1864

Letter – E. Forrest Koehler, 13 August 1864

Letter – Linsey Wills, 10 September 1864

Letter – Cornelius Baker, 31 October 1864