Camp near the

Chickahominy river

May 28 1862.

 

Dear Father and Mother.

We left our last camp this morning and marched about 5 miles to this place near the river and laid in the woods all day. We left our tents and knapsacks so I shall have to write with a pencil

 

Last night we heard that Richmond was taken by McDowell and 3000 prisoners, which news was received by the whole division with cheer / after cheer, but I think that the story is doubtful Our troops crossed the river yesterday and took possesion of quite a portion of the country adjoining the river. And papers of the 26^th state that our advance is 5 miles from Richmond at Mechanicsville. Also that Banks has retreated into Maryland. I think that we are here as a reserve so if the forces on the other side of the river get attacked we can cross and support them. They are / building a pontoon bridge across the river to day. Last night the whole division formed in a hollow square to see an officer disgraced His name was William Le Oswald Capt of Co A 34 N York Vol. He refused to bring his Co out on dress parade and tried to excite them to mutiny. His sentence was to be stripped of all the military insigna of rank and to have his sword broke before his face and a soldier to announce in a loud voice / It shall be disgraceful for any soldier in the Army of the Potomac to associate with the prisoner hereafter. then he was to be sent to the Penetentiary in the district of Columbia for 1 year by order of Gen Mclellan. Col Hinks was on the Court martial and only for a speech he made the man would been shot, for 10 were in favor of it and 5 were not. Perhaps you dont like such short letters but I know you like to hear from me so I write as often as I can / and you must excuse the shortness but it is getting dark and I must bring this to a close.

                                                                                   

from your afft son

Geo H Patch

 

Enclosed you will find the picture of Gen Scott cost 10 cts a very good one I think.

Geo H Patch.

SOURCES