[blue pencil: Use this]

Sunday P.M. Apr 2^d 1865

Inside a Rebel Fort.

 

            Dear Sister

                                    Here I am inside rebel fort we have just captured writing on a rebel sheet of paper. I have just picked up since I came in A number of wounded rebels are laying around. The army has achieved a greater success to day than they ever did before I think the

 

This morning the 6^th Corps before day light made a charge broke the Rebel lines doubled them up. I dont know how many prisoners we have taken, a good many though. I saw 1600 in one squad. I suppose we have captured 5 or 6000. Every body thinks the rebellion is about played out. I am sound yet. Had some narrow escapes. A Captain belonging to the 55 Pa was wounded on the arm laying by the side of me, the ball going over me. Had one of my company was wounded, from a shot from this fort. We have had hard time since we came / on this side of the river. I have been on picket 60 hours in succession. Every man was ordered to keep awake all the time in the night. Part of the time the rain fell in torrents. I was relieved last night so I got a good nights sleep. Feel first rate to day Friday we made a charge with the picket line captured the rebel picket line more prisoners than we had men in our regt. that went forward. Co "G" had one man severely wounded. This morning I rec^d your letter with Toms. Yesterday I got your other one. I was very glad to hear from home. Our Regt has a Rebel battle flag we captured this morning. You want to know what I have to eat. When we are in the field we have to take things as we can get them. Our cook managed to send me a good meal about once a day Last night he had a good supper, pan cakes and stewed blackberries. This morning had a good breakfast I had no idea we were coming so far so left my haversack and canteen. Have picked up some more / though, so have some hard tack and a piece of beef. That will have to stand me till I can get something more.

 

I forgot to say I am in sight of the spires of Petersburg. I should think we were right south of it. The rebels have a strong line of works in front of us a ravine running this side of them I believe that is the last line between us and Petersburg. I hope we may take that to night. I hear the South Side R Road has been cut this morning.

 

Monday Morning. Petersburg is ours. The rebels evacuated last night. I dont know which way the rebels have gone. Every is in the best of spirits We are about ready to march. I am going to see if I can find any to mail this

                                                                                   

Your Affc't Bro

Charles

           

Weather fine

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