H^d Qrs Q.M. Dept 3^d M^d V.V.

2^d Brig 1^st Div 9^th A.C.

Near Fredericksburg V^a

May 19^th 1864

 

My dear Hester

                                                Your kind and welcome letter of April 29^th I received this morning and you cannot imagine my joy on hearing from you once more it was the first mail we have received since the 27^th of April and I was disappointed in not receiving one from Mother but now that the mail is open once more all our back mail will arrive in a few days

 

            On the 6^th of May our Regiment was engaged in the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. and again on the 12^th near Spotsylvania Court House Va. our loss in both engagements was very heavy considering our small number thirty eight is the number in our Regiment out of one hundred & fifty thus far I have escaped unharmed for which "I thank God". our operations thus far have been very successful to our arms and if we meet with no reverses (which I pray to God we will not) this campaign will be the finishing stroke of this cruel "war". we have not had our equipments off nor had a full nights sleep since the 3^d of May and experienced other hardships but notwithstanding all this we are ready and willing at any time to renew the contest with re-doubled vigor for we all know that nothing but hard fighting will end this struggle, and the enemy will / bitterly dispute every inch of ground before giving away

 

            Yesterday I managed to get a pass to this place which is ten miles in rear of our line of Battle. my excuse was to get a clean change of clothes (it was the first in two weeks) our Regiment is in the front line and behind breast works and we dare not show ourselves above our works for the enemies sharpshooters who pick off every one they see they are doing great execution in our ranks we do not take any of them prisoners if they are caught death is their portion. we have been in our present position since the 13^th inst and it is impossible to say when we will leave the enemy in our front are strongly entrenched and we are just as strong; Strategy I think has got to do the work this time

 

            I am very glad you are pleased with that photo I think it excels the one taken in New York. who is this Maggie that has my picture and that you gave the card to is it one of the girls in Grahams? I cant think who else it can be. I think you are rather severe on me about your picture being worn out so soon you must remember we cannot keep things good as long in the army (especially in the field) as at home and I have been carrying your picture some time through rain and shine

 

            I received Harpers Weekly this morning with your letter and I am extremely obliged to you for it or any reading matter you may choose to send books and papers are very scarce among our men at present and they feel the loss of reading matter very much / If a soldier has something to read when he is lying around in camp or in the field as we are now behind breastworks, it makes the time pass more quickly, and relieves the mind considerably. such papers as you speak of (viz) The Waverly & Flag of our Univ. will be very acceptable

 

            I wrote to Mother yesterday but have not received a letter from her since leaving Baltimore and you may suppose I am very anxious to hear from her

 

            What is it that Capt Littlejohn promised you. I spoke to him about it and he says he cannot think what it is unless it was his card and he has not got any at present.

 

            Martha's Capt (Capt Hewson) Col Robinson & Capt Littlejohn wish to be remembered to you Capt Laroze went to Washington to be examined for the Veteran reserve Corps on the 27^th of May and has not returned yet

 

            My stock is about written out now and I do not think you can call this a short letter but please excuse the writing as my accommodations are not the best. remember me to your folks and accept my love for yourself so with my best wishes for your welfare I will close

                                   

Remaining as ever

Yours only

Bob /

 

Address

            Lieut R. S. Stedman

            C^o "C" 3^d M^d V.V.I.

            2^d Brig 1^st Div 9^th A.C.

            Washington D.C.

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