Ambulance Park

of the 3^rd Div. 6^th A.C.

Near Petersburgh, Va

June 21^st/64

 

My Dear Mother

                        I believe before crawling beneath my blanket to sleep I will drop you a few lines by the aid of a pine knot, and besides the band is playing, and if I lie down I cannot sleep until they are silent. I hear these brass bands so much that I actually get tired of hearing them But 'tis but a few years since that I would / scamper a mile to hear a band of Fusic.

 

            it is a splendid evening and if I were anywhere in the neighborhood of Jerseys shores I should love to be traversing the sea shore, stop in and see Uncle & Aunt Conover & Cousins &c. 't'would be very nice if it wasn't war times, still I feel thankful that I can think of it if I cannot realize it. you know Dear Mama we cannot always have what we want, and as for myself I feel very well satisfied, and feel to thank God that my life is thus far spared, and for the very many mercies / bestowed upon me in the past. God is good let us render praises unto Him for His many kind blessings to us poor ungrateful creatures. He is ever near to guard over us and keep us free from all danger. Though we be encompassed by foes He is present to befriend us. I fear my torch will go out before I can finish my letter, but I will write fast. I guess you can make it out if it isn't too very badly scribbled. There is nothing transpiring along the lines tonight. I forget whether I have written to you since we crossed the James River or not. / I think it was last saturday night we crossed the James. no I am mistaken it was friday night. The Corps went over in the afternoon. our Division crossed in transports, landing at City Point, and marched to the Appomattox River and crossed on Saturday. we halted on the north side with our Train. I went over the river Sunday night with sick & wounded, unloaded them on board a steamer for Washington. Then our Corps was moving back across the river. I saw the Boys. they were all around. Eseck was well, he has been sick, but / he is all right again. I hear Charlie White is at home give my love to him if you see him. Our Corps is now before Petersburgh. Everything is going on as well as can be expected. It will be in our hands before many days. That place has been of great importance to the Rebels as it is a great railroad depot, and several roads running from there, and will cut the supplies from Johnsons Army in Georgia at the same time cutting them short in Richmond, leaving them but one road. and if all goes well that road will / soon be played. Gen^l Grant & Meade will fix everything all right before this campain is ended that is certain.

 

            David Twiford is on board the gunboat Commodore Perry. she lies in the Appomattox some of the Boys saw him, but I hadn't the opportunity. they said he looked first rate. There is 4 months pay due us now or in 9 days. I dont know when we will get paid I am not much in need of money. But I must now close. May God bless you all. give my respects to friends. My love to you & John / write soon & I remain your loving Son Albert           For the Union

 

Amb Corps      3^rd Div 6^th A.C.           Washington, D.C.

 

(Those roses I sent were Virginia Roses)

SOURCES