In the Field near Petersburg

Frid Morn June 17^th 1864

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I wrote Sam last at the White House. We left there the next morning for Bermuda Hundred. Landed at 9½ oclock in the night the same day. We marched that night to Point of Rocks or near there. It was 12 oclock when we stopped. Early the next morning we were up and enroute for Petersburg. We crossed the Appomattox on pontoons. I cant go into all the details of the day But I will say that I think our Regt had the narrowest escape it ever had. We were clear on the right next to the River all alone. Part of the Regt thrown out as skirmishers, the rest supporting them. We were laying down in / line when all at once the Rebs opened on us an enfilading fire from a battery across the river. Shells burst all about us and we had to retreat across an open field they had complete command of. I lay close to the ground till I got ready to start then done the best I could. When I heard a shell coming I went down soon as it got over I put ahead. When we got across the field there was a ditch from 3 to 6 feet deep. We got in that and lay. They put the shells around that pretty lively I had them strike so close as to cover me with dirt. I dont know how many we lost. Part of Co "A" were missing taken prisoners with their Lieut. The force to our left charged a fort and took it with nine pieces of Artillery. We advanced our skirmish line about sundown. I think I was not more than mile / from Petersburg. I could see it as plain as you can see Denisons corners from our Hall.

 

We fell back again in the night to the left, 12 oclock before we got ready to lay down. No fighting yesterday till just at night. The 2^ond Corps are here and I dont know but more of the Army of the Potomac. Yesterday noon I came to the Hospital I have had the diarrhea some time got so weak and worn out I could not stand it longer. This morning I am feeling better think I will be able to go to the Regt tomorrow I want Mother to send me a pair of cotton sock by mail. When we left our knapsack at the White House I took out two pair one besides the pair I had on. I have worn out one pair, so have only these / I have on left. I got have some in my knapsack but I dont know as I shall ever see that again. I wash my shirt and put it on again. It dont get washed very often though. Had no letter from home since a week ago last tuesday However we have had no mail now in three or four days I have put a picture for Willie. The first one is natural. the other I cant see as it looks any like the battle field It has not half the woods on it. Write often to me so I can hear from home. I write about twice a week when I have paper

           

Love to all

Yours Affectionately

Charley

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