Massachusetts Caloric Engine Co.

So. Groton, May   1861

 

John Cook Esq

                       

Dr friend

           By a letter to Charlie Morrison I learned that you received a letter from him, a few days since, which was the first you had had from here. I was a little surprised, for on Wednesday of last week I wrote you a good long one, filled with the gossip and news of this glorious place. Still in the uncertainties of the present times, it is hard to tell when anything will reach its destination. So, I will write again, and, although I may not send you any news, you will at least have a something by mail. First then Rodney Craigan left here yesterday with fifteen men to join you, and probably will soon be with you. King has 84 men enlisted / and leaves soon for the "seat of War". He went to Boston yesterday for orders. Among his men are Bobby Simmons of our shop, and Geo Lycette, James Snow and Dr Hynes, also Stewart Park.

 

            You probably heard how Sam Reed was "fixed". He has boldly asserted that he would have the blood of Capt King, brother John and myself, but any man who is too big a coward, to fight for his countrys honor, wont do much damage to so humble an individual as myself. Beside my life is insured. We had a grand good time last Monday. It was town meeting and Groton Junction turned out in full force and marched to town and back. We went as an escort to Kings Co. with guns of made of laths. Dana and Gilpatrick furnished music. Coming home, we stopped at Hodgemans, and he brought out cider for the whole Co.

 

            The Ladies of this place, meet today to make up shirts, and we hope to / have shirts, coats and pants ready for shipment on Saturday. I dont know how much of an opportunity you have of seeing the papers, but let me tell you the whole world is on our side. Ohio alone offers 80,000 troops and, if we can judge anything by appearances, starvation will effect more than all the fighting you have. Still there has got to be some of it. Our earnest hope and prayer is, that our friends may be spared. But John if you are called forth to fight, and it should be the fate of war, that you do fall, remember that it was in fighting for God and the right, and friends will take care that your name shall be handed down to posterity, not as Sam Reeds will be, but with all the honor it justly deserves. We have a report that Blighton has deserted. Is it true?

 

            You may say, that its all very fine for me, to sit quietly at home, where I can enjoy all the comforts of married life and pen lines to you about courage &c. Well that is even so, and I have no doubt, you / all think of it occasionally. But we having wives, and especially, we who have had them for so short a time, can hardly make up our minds to leave them for the uncertainty of war. I find that a wifes tears and entreaties go farther to-wards influencing me, than ever my mothers or sisters did. We may yet be called upon to go, and when we are, I trust I may not prove dis-loyal.

 

            Anna had a letter from our friend Mattie, and she wished to be remembered to friends John, and Charlie. She had not heard of your departure.

 

            I have written this by "sections", and I guess it will hardly pass muster, but remember it is written in business hours.

 

Remember us to all from Groton, and drop us a line when you can.

           

Anna wishes to be remembered.

                                   

Yours truly

W^m B Haskins

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