Collection Search

to Annie

writing from the hospital. describes the battle of Bull Run. ends up getting wounded in the arm.

GLC09354.11

to Annie

has the use of three fingers in his right hand. heard that her father and brother have enlisted. recovering.

GLC09354.12

[Collection of Samuel Keyes]

11 letters with covers, written by a private in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment. He describes actions in the Army of the Potomac from the troop buildup at Fort Monroe, initiating the Peninsula Campaign, to the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he was...

GLC09354

to Annie

explains that he doesn't always have time to write and his letters may not be that interesting. he expects his first fight to be in Norfolk and says they may not be home for three years. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy.

GLC09354.02

to Annie

tired and homesick. has experienced desperate fighting. lists all the different regiments that are out there. writes they are expecting 2,000 more troops. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy.

GLC09354.03

[to unknown]

GLC09354.04

to Annie

writes there will be a forward movement. 20,000 more have joined them. they are getting ready to attack Norfolk. writes "before I came to the South, I had some sympathy for the slaves, but it has all gone..."

GLC09354.05

to Annie

feels like he has nothing interesting to say. very homesick. feels homesick the most when he is on picket duty.

GLC09354.06

to Annie

the battle of Yortown rages around them but so far their loss is small and infantry has not been engaged. understands that war is dangerous but it doesn't seem all that real to him.

GLC09354.07

to Annie

describes what picket duty is. writes it involves scouting around the country. they they their food with them, nothing but corned beef and hard bread. they also do provost-duty, and stay with farmers and watch their movements.

GLC09354.08

to Annie

marched 20 miles without food or water when the Rebels attacked them. there were heavy losses on both sides. writes that Sunday is like any other day in the army and there is no time off to attend church.

GLC09354.09

to Annie

thinks the coasting affair was quite funny. still very homesick but makes it clear he doesn't want to get out of the army but he does think of home at time. currently experiencing a drenching rain.Written at Camp Hamilton

GLC09354.10

to Annie

has received a full discharge from the army. hopes his arm will be entirely well by the Spring.

GLC09354.13