150 years Ago (1864 8/27)

Hall Town, Aug. 27^th, 1864.

Dear Wife,-

I received a letter from you yesterday Hope you received my last. It was short but it was good, was it not? Warren’s wound was not considered dangerous, though it was very severe. My old bunk mate at Brattleboro was wounded. The shot came from a flank fire and in some way passed between the heel cord and the bone without touching either. We fought all day. We drove the rebels back. Drove them up a long slope of a hill side, through a corn field; after getting up the hill the land was in ridges. About two hundred yards from the crest of one hill to another. We drove them one ridge too far. They were not driven back immediately on our right, and there was a wooded ridge that came in between in this shape. 

This wooded ridge was not held, though the rebs were driven from it. It was so situated that it could not be held without advancing the line too far over on the right, so you see we were just one crest too far. This was not the situation of our whole regiment; only three companies. Where I was before we started back the rebs were coming in to the hollow in front of the wooded ridge and a storm of “minnies” were sweeping up through the hollow in our rear. Just as we started to go back Sergeant Stickney of our Company was hit through the knee. It was completely smashed. I took one side, and Sergeant Pettingill of Troy the other. We had to pass over the end of the intermediate ridge. They all had orders to go as quick as possible, but you see I could not run without leaving as brave a man as ever shouldered a musket, and that was not my name. As we came to the end of ridge Pettingill looked around and says “The Rebs were within ten rods and nearly even with us.” he said to Stickney “We draw all their fire and shall be killed or taken prisoners; must leave you.” He (Stickney) begged to be taken off. Said he could help himself and he did. I told him I would not leave him while I stood, but Pettingill left. Capt. Gray of Glover came back and says “Josh I won’t leave you.” Just at that moment now the bullets flew. Had gone about four rods when Gray dropped and for a little time I had Josh on my shoulders alone, but Sergeant Bickford took hold and we got over the crest of the next hill, and I can assure you I had a large sense of satisfaction. We turned there and the Rebs got to their holes pretty quick, and there we stayed all day, blazing away at one another. The brigade lost pretty heavy. Our regiment lost 39 killed and wounded.

Oh, but I must tell you about Gray. After about an hour we heard him groan. He dare not make much noise as the Rebs were close by. At dusk I hallooed to him. Asked him if he was much hurt. “Oh, not much, only my leg is broke.” It was just as cheerful an answer as was ever given. “Well, lie still and we will get you when it is a little darker.” he says “I knew you would if you held the ground.” But I met with another adventure that was not pleasant. We were relieved to clean our guns. I was detailed to go after water. Left my knapsack, and owing to some change a part of the Second Regiment occupied the ground where the knapsack was, and they supposed that it belonged to some killed or wounded man and they administered on my effects. I lost all my writing utensils; a clean sweep, meat and sugar, etc. Some honest men got hold of the tents and blankets, so I got them again. Yes, and the tobacco went too. They insisted that they found the knapsack torn open. That is the reason that I have not written. Have had nothing to write with, but I have got replenished now.

I have been quite unwell since Sunday. I worked a little too hard this morning. I am all right. It has been my turn to go and guard once and I got excused. Have done all other duty. I must close as have not time. Zopher is well. Looks like another man from what he did when I first saw him at Ream’s Station.

Yours in affection,

Charles.