Encamped up James River

Landing called Bermuda Hundred

2 mile above City Point

in Charge of Ponton train

May 15^th 1864

 

Dear Friends

                        In order to fulfill my promise in respect to the time that I should write you I feel bound to keep my promise good. And mind that I do not consider it much of a task either to write to my friends. I know that my reward should not be much to love them where love is so bountifully reciprocated Reward or not this is perfectly natural. To love those that love you and be kind to those who are ever looking to our welfare Not but what we should fulfill the scripture and love our enemies too This I try to do. I pity the poor fellows as we see them daily taken over our docks in going aboard of steamers for Fortress Monroe Can I love them as I would a Sister or Brother, after they have tried to kill me / I can pray God forgive them for they know not what they do

But many of them are relieved by being taken prisoners and where they would starve us in their gloomy prisons situated the same, we kill the fatted calf and invite them in. The war is going on gloriously. Triumph after triumph makes us feel that there is hope of some day closing up this cruel war

 

(May 17^th) Tis about 8. O'clock I am lying in my tent expecting every moment the bugal will sound to go on detail. Our Division at the front got repulsed yesterday The enemy sprung upon us in the fog and in such numbers as to compel us to fall back You will probably get full details of the battle before you get this. We took some prisoners however, as well as they. I am still in good health. I wish you all well. Martha I am unable to get any flea powder here for your / bird. I was on guard Sunday and yesterday I was at liberty to do what I choose. I wrote a letter to my wife and drew some. Our Company are taking up and putting down pontons. I expect we will run one across the river to day to let about 40 thousand Cavelry across to this side. It makes me feel sad some to think that our men suffered so yesterday. We were having such good luck that I was in hopes the God of battles was going to have a sudden closing of the war. But all for the best I hope. I hope I shall get some letters soon from you to help cheer me. I have received one from you and one from Lorane written May 2^nd directed to Bowery St

 

Remember      Co H NY 1^st Vol Engrs

                        10^th Army Corps

                                    Fortress Monroe /

                                                                       

Much love to the little ones

                                                                       

I hope I shall live to see you all again when this cruel war is over.

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