Washington May 24^th 1863

 

Dear Brother

                                    your welcome letter of the 20^th I recd yesterday and I should have answerd it then but but Jerry Hubard sent me a letter so I answerd it I also sent Loomis a letter so I thought I would put it off till this afternoon Jerry says he wants I should come back company D lost in killed and wounded only nine Penfield was not in the fight he was detailed to carry the killed and wounded off the battlefield they were well when he wrote Co E on the right next to Co D lost 21 I am glad that our Co was so lucky but they may lose a good many more before this cruel war is over I have not heard from home for over / two weeks and I am realy afraid that Mother is unable to write and I hope that Father will not get worked out for it would be verry bad if he should get down I recd a letter from Cromwell from a young lady they were well then my correspondents are rather numerous I have about 15 to write to in all some are in Newark and all over I hope the time will come when it will not be necessary to stay in one place cooped up all day I want get out of this and be free to go where I can do as I want and not be bound to stop in one place so long a great many consider it quite a privilege to live in Washington I cant see it in that light I had much rather be in Newark or some other place there is good news from Grants Army he is reported as having captured Vicksburgh and taken a great many prisoners it may be only a sham we lost more / men in the late battle at Fredricksburg and Joe Hooker retreated and yet he claims a victory one good thing the rebels lost their best general Stonewall Jackson now will get through that Long street and up the Hill (a hit on their generals) and then we may look for peace I have heard Coles spoken of but dont know whether he is in Co C or not Capt Post is able to take command of his company again so he is not dead as reported he was hit twice by the rebels Capt Post was first Lieut of Co C when we left New Haven when Capt Parker resigned he was promoted as Capt of our Company Lieut Cadwell was reported missing he is with the Co now I believe and now hoping to hear from you soon I will close give my regards to Cousin W^m and enquiring friends I Remain Your Affect

                       

Brother George S Palmer

SOURCES