CXLVIII
Headquarters Second N. H. V.,Near Petersburg, Va.,Friday, May 27, 1864.
Headquarters Second N. H. V.,Near Petersburg, Va.,Friday, May 27, 1864.
Headquarters Second N. H. V.,Near Petersburg, Va.,Friday, May 27, 1864.
Headquarters Second N. H. V.,
Near Petersburg, Va.,Friday, May 27, 1864.
INmy last letter, written three days ago, I promised to write one more letter from the army. The chances are that if I do not writenowI may not have another opportunity, as we are evidently getting in trim to move within a day or two, and we may not get settled down again until we are discharged. Last night an order came here that all men in the regiment who are unable to travel in light marching order shall be sent at once to the division hospital. We will doubtless move very soon—perhaps before tomorrow morning.Hen. Pillsbury has just come in with the news, coming from Dr. Merrow, that we will march within a few hours, a good part of Butler’s force going to reinforce Grant. If so, we will have some hard marching to do.
Now that the time for my release draws nigh, I must say I am getting very impatient. Bill Ramsdell says: “When I get my discharge in my hand, I shall feel as if I had shaken off a man who for three years has had his hand at my throat, trying to strangle me.” And with his experience, I do not wonder that he feels that way.
Since I began this letter the preparations for departure have set in in good earnest. The shovels which we have used in throwing up defensive works are being loaded up, the sick men have taken up their line of march for the hospitals, and the cooks are busy preparing two days’ rations. If Grant has got Lee back pretty well toward Richmond, it may not be a very hard march to join him. But if he is still at the Anna rivers we will have some right smart “huffing” to do. At any rate, I will not be troubled with a heavy load—only what I may need to make myself comfortable. I have turned in my horse, and will “frog it” with the boys, which will be rather pleasant, and I will not have the horse to care for. It has been some time since I have received a letter from you, but suppose you do not write for fear I may not get it, being liable to start for home any day. Good bye, for a very short time.
This was the Soldier Boy’s last letter from the army. The Eighteenth Army Corps did join Grant, being transported to White House, on the Pamunky, by water. The Second gloriously maintained its ancient reputation in the sanguinary battle of Cold Harbor, and an ill fate took heavy toll from the little handful of old men whose faces were already turned joyously toward home and the loved ones. Three company commanders—including Captain Gordon—were killed, and the rank and file were decimated. Immediately after this terrible sacrifice the remnant returned to New Hampshire and were mustered out.