Before Petersburg, Va.

March 26^th, 1865.

 

Dear Sister,

                        Mary, yours of the 12^th inst. I rec'd today and as it is the first one I have rec'd from you in six months I will hasten to answer it for fear you will forget how to write. I had about made up my mind that you was out of writing materials.

 

            I suppose you think it rather strange that I did not come out that way as soon as I became of age, (or became my own Master) I suppose I might / have come out there, but I could not hardly see it then. if nothing happens, I will be up that way some time in April. the Sutlers have all been ordered out of the Army. the goods are all down to City Point. I come up from there yesterday. I am now with the Regt.

 

            there was a small fight here yesterday morning on our right, the first Division of the 9^th Corps. the Rebs charged on our line, captured one fort, but they did not hold it long. our loss was small. the Rebs loss was between 3 and 5000 in killed, wounded, and prisoners.

 

            there was some fighting / too on the left of our line. I dont know what was accomplished though. you will probably hear all about it ere you receive this.

 

            I was up to see Wallace last Sunday. I staid with him all night and then we went to see Albert Chase. they are about half a mile a part.

 

            Mary, it seems to me that your Patriotism has all played out. how does Mary Mile take the draft. does she wish Mile in the Army now. Ill bet she dont. What do you suppose I care about the draft, they cant draft me. You should not take on so about the draft. you are not the only one / in the U.S. that feels the effects of it.

 

I think by the looks of things at the present time, that there will not be another call for men. this summer I think will close this cruel war.

 

            Well, I must close. tell Margaret that I cant write to her this time, but I will send her a present. please give her the three cent piece with my compliments.

 

please write soon.

accept love from your

Brother, W^m Chase.

Sutlers Dept.

45^th Pa. Vet. Vol.

1^st Brig. 2^nd Divi. 9^th A.C.

Army, Potomac.

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