Camp of 2^d Division Sharp Shooters

Near Petersburg Va. July 31^st 1864

 

Brother Samuel

                                    Your letter came this morning glad to hear from home.

 

It is very warm to day and has been for the last two days. There was a battle fought yesterday in front of Burnsides Corps. Our Corps (18^th) was ordered up. Our Division and I dont know but more of the corps were in reserve. Started about midnight the night before. The march was not more than 2 miles After we got there we lay down. The ball opened about 4½ Oclock A.M. by blowing up one of their forts. (I dont but more were served the same) and the heaviest Artillery firing I ever heard. I tried to count the discharges in a minute. They averaged more than one a second. Sometimes a half dozen the same instant. At the time of the explosion a charge was made. We gained the fort. A little later in the morning the niggers made a charge. They behave very badly. They not only retreated, but it was a regular stampede. It took a number of regiments to stop the panic stricken pets By this act we lost one line we held which we gained in the morning.

 

I heard more cursing and swearing / about the niggers by soldiers than I want to hear again. If white troops had gone in the place of them I believe we would have gained the line. I think it must have been partly the fault of the nigger officers as I heard they behaved badly

 

After the repulse we withdrew to the rear Towards night we returned to camp. We had one man slightly wounded. The Regt had two wounded. I heard this morning at Head Quarters some officers talking saying retook in the afternoon all we took in the morning Our loss must have been very heavy as it always is in such cases. I saw any quantity of wounded.

 

I am sorry I have got to wait so long for the gun. Did you see either of the two he had on hand. I wrote him friday about them Or did you not think them suitable, or couldn't you get either of them. The one you ordered is just such a one as I want. If you can not get one of them or their are not suitable I suppose the best thing I can do is to wait for the one you have ordered

 

I hope he will be as quick getting it up as soon as possible. I feel first rate, never enjoyed better health. This P.M. draw rations again I like the looks of Gen Ames who commands our Division better than Martindales he is the most pleasant looking man I have seen in some time                            

C. E. Reed

 

[front margin upside down]

 

I have put Lefevers letter in so you can see what he says about the guns

                                                                       

Love to all

Cha^s

 

[blue pencil: Burnside name]

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