The Civil War Letters
Camp Hamilton
March 13 to April 7, 1862
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The Civil War LettersCamp HamiltonMarch 13 to April 7, 1862 |
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March 13th,
1862
He has seen the
battle of the Merrimac and Congress, and the sinking of the Cumberland after
the Merrimac ran her iron prow into the Cumberland's side. He gives a vivid
description of the Congress exploding later that night when the fire ignited
its 18 tons of powder.
They rode and prepared for battle at Newport News but there was no attack.
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March 14th,
1862
Charles Atkinson
is bearing this letter. Please give him 2 shirts and 2 drawers that he will
deliver to W.L. Make sure the shirt tails are long enough since the last two
hardly came into his pants.
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March 19th,
1862
The Regiment was
on Revue by Brig. General Max Weber.
He went on a scout over the Big Bethel Road to see the Rebel batteries - were fired upon but one of Gen. Wool's aides took a draft of the batteries and entrenchments. They returned to camp safe and sound.
Very cold nights and morning. Not sure if they're going to make a forward move or not.
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March 26th,
1862
Sundays spent on
picket - he's very tired and sleepy having stayed up all night.
She will have her "sickness" in April - she should get someone to help her.
Charles Atkinson is overdue and it would be "a great joke if he has deserted and run away with my shirts and drawers".
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April 2nd, 1862
He hasn't felt well
but has been still at his duty.
100,000 new troops have arrived and are all encamped within 6 or 8 miles - many Pennsylvania regiments.
He was paid and sends her $20. Hopes she is well and the war will be over by the summer as "soldiering is not what it is cracked up to be".
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April 7th, 1862
The large army that
landed at Fortress Monroe has moved on to Yorktown. He will remain with Company
E at Camp Hamilton for the present. He can hear the cannons at Yorktown and
"expects our men will be Masters of the Field".
He lies awake thinking of her. The shirts and drawers are on somebody else by this time as Charles Atkinson has deserted and took everything with him.
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